Formula 1 2009

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (frosty58 @ Jun 15 2009, 02:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'> i can't believe it... i just decided to check this thread out since it's been awhile & this is what poped into my view...

Ha, it is funny isn't it. My expectations for motogp were so low after last season and the first race of this. F1 is still putting on a decent show but it is suffering for not having a particularly open title battle, although i like which way its going.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Jun 16 2009, 04:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Ha, it is funny isn't it. My expectations for motogp were so low after last season and the first race of this. F1 is still putting on a decent show but it is suffering for not having a particularly open title battle, although i like which way its going.

Most probably Ferrari is out of contention this year. No body care about Brawn GP and Button. But I do.!!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (V5Stroker @ Jun 16 2009, 11:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Most probably Ferrari is out of contention this year. No body care about Brawn GP and Button. But I do.!!

Ferrari is out of contention?! Shucking fit...i didn't know that

BREAK AWAY!!!

well, jenson's been working hard all these years and i think he deserves having a great car and all these wins he got. i'm sad to see kimi's season go on like this, but i'm happy for button

The Formula One Teams' Association have sensationally confirmed they are to form a breakaway series, causing the greatest upheaval in the sport's 60-year history.

Following a meeting tonight of the eight teams that currently form FOTA - Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, Toyota, BMW Sauber, Brawn GP, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso - they have all declined to enter F1 for 2010.

Despite weeks of negotiations with FIA president Max Mosley, the two bodies have failed to find a compromise, leaving the sport in total chaos.

The FIA had issued a deadline of close of business today (Friday) to enter next year's championship unconditionally to McLaren, Toyota, Renault, BMW Sauber and Brawn GP in particular.

As far as the FIA are concerned, Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso are contracted to enter, hence the reason they were given an automatic entry by world motor sport's governing body last Friday.

Ferrari have stated that contract, signed in 2005, was invalidated by the FIA when they failed to recognise the Scuderia's right of veto over the new regulations.

Mosley unilaterally announced the introduction of a voluntary £40million budget cap at the end of April without consulting the teams, most notably Ferrari.
MORE

big big announcement this
and isnt today the 19th june the day all teams entering F1 FOR 2010 have to have signed up by.that leaves only a few hrs to sort anything out IF AT ALL..

British GP this weekend will there be more news.?

Friday 19


Formula One, British Grand Prix

0955-1135, live coverage of first practice BBC RED BUTTON OR Freeview 302/301
1355-1535, live coverage of second practice
1535-1000 (Saturday), replays

Saturday 20 Formula One, British Grand Prix

0955-1105, live coverage of third practice
1210-1420, live coverage of qualifying
1420-1000 (Sunday), replay of qualifying

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pigeon @ Jun 18 2009, 10:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>The Formula One Teams' Association have sensationally confirmed they are to form a breakaway series, causing the greatest upheaval in the sport's 60-year history.

Following a meeting tonight of the eight teams that currently form FOTA - Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, Toyota, BMW Sauber, Brawn GP, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso - they have all declined to enter F1 for 2010.

Despite weeks of negotiations with FIA president Max Mosley, the two bodies have failed to find a compromise, leaving the sport in total chaos.

The FIA had issued a deadline of close of business today (Friday) to enter next year's championship unconditionally to McLaren, Toyota, Renault, BMW Sauber and Brawn GP in particular.

As far as the FIA are concerned, Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso are contracted to enter, hence the reason they were given an automatic entry by world motor sport's governing body last Friday.

Ferrari have stated that contract, signed in 2005, was invalidated by the FIA when they failed to recognise the Scuderia's right of veto over the new regulations.

Mosley unilaterally announced the introduction of a voluntary £40million budget cap at the end of April without consulting the teams, most notably Ferrari.
MORE

big big announcement this
and isnt today the 19th june the day all teams entering F1 FOR 2010 have to have signed up by.that leaves only a few hrs to sort anything out IF AT ALL..

British GP this weekend will there be more news.?

Friday 19


Formula One, British Grand Prix

0955-1135, live coverage of first practice BBC RED BUTTON OR Freeview 302/301
1355-1535, live coverage of second practice
1535-1000 (Saturday), replays

Saturday 20 Formula One, British Grand Prix

0955-1105, live coverage of third practice
1210-1420, live coverage of qualifying
1420-1000 (Sunday), replay of qualifying

The teams said they refused to withdraw their conditional entries. There is no break away series yet because Mosley could cave or extend the deadline.

Since dreaming is free, here's my wish list for the new Formula FOTA.

3 equal cars per team (total 24 cars)
no ....... tinkering with the rules every year
cheaper race tickets
1000hp at least (so bring back Turbos or V12 or something)
control tyre
control ECU (tc and other electronic aids forbidden)
MASSIVE downforce reduction. WE WANT OVERTAKING!

I think that's pretty much it

Oh I forgot shorter miniskirts for the grid girls

Anyone else agrees wants to add something?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teomolca @ Jun 19 2009, 09:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Since dreaming is free, here's my wish list for the new Formula FOTA.

3 equal cars per team (total 24 cars)
no ....... tinkering with the rules every year
cheaper race tickets
1000hp at least (so bring back Turbos or V12 or something)
control tyre
control ECU (tc and other electronic aids forbidden)
MASSIVE downforce reduction. WE WANT OVERTAKING!

I think that's pretty much it

Oh I forgot shorter miniskirts for the grid girls

Anyone else agrees wants to add something?

I agree with a lot of what you've written, but those rules are more like the rules F1 was trying to implement.

F1 MUST differentiate from the current sport and away from the manufacturers.

Here are my F1 wishlists:

Spec engine - F1 commissions the schematics then contracts with someone like Cozy to make engines for the non manufacturing teams who can't find an engine supplier. Manufacturers can build the spec engine using their own facilities. 3.6L V12s with a 14,000 rpm redline so they go 3,000 km between major rebuilds. About the same peak output of today's V8's but with much more usable power. Unlimited exhaust, lubrication types, and radiator designs, intake.

1 Transmission - 6 speed sequential manual, transmission specs given to the governing body at race 1. Teams who cannot find a supplier get a spec Cozy transmission.

Spec Tire - Michelin, Spce fuel, spec ECU - no TC or very limited TC, several fuel mappings

Spec wings - less downforce

OR GO THE EXACT OPPOSITE DIRECTION AND MAKE HOTTED UP CARTS

Spec Engine F1 commissions the design then contracts with Cozy for teams who can't build or find supplier. Manufacturers can build the spec engine in their own facilities. 2.4L V6 rev limited to put out about 550hp+ and make at least 1,500 km.

1 Transmission - semi auto paddles, the transmission specs are given to the governing body at race 1, teams who can't build their own or find a supplier get a spec Cozy transmission.

Spec tire - Narrower or harder Michelin, Spec fuel, Spec ECU - very limited TC, several fuel mappings


Spec wings - less downforce,

Drastically reduce width (1.4m or less), reduce length but set min cockpit dimension. Drastically reduce allowable min weight to 500kg with driver (a lot of F1 cars already weigh much less).

FOTA wishlist:

1. Top Speed limit
2. Spec Fuel
3. Spec Tire
4. Min/max dimensions similar to current F1
5. Spec wings
6. No other rules.

The FOTA governing body builds 2 boxes (1 big, 1 small) with the approximate look they want the car to have. If the chassis fits inside the big box and doesn't fit in the small box, it can be raced. Of course, they would use an actual box, it would all be done on computers.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Jun 19 2009, 01:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>The teams said they refused to withdraw their conditional entries. There is no break away series yet because Mosley could cave or extend the deadline.

See!

He's suing them. Obviously, they can't finalize the final team entries list for 2010 when legal proceedings will affect the future of the sport.

Mosley is disgusting.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Jun 19 2009, 06:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>F1 MUST differentiate from the current sport and away from the manufacturers.

Hate to break it to you, but with Bernie and Max in control, you'll never see any of this. Plus, with the FOTA series, F1 is dead anyway. You have a choice of watching Ferrari or Manor Motorsport, who are you going to choose?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Here are my F1 wishlists:

Spec engine - F1 commissions the schematics then contracts with someone like Cozy to make engines for the non manufacturing teams who can't find an engine supplier. Manufacturers can build the spec engine using their own facilities. 3.6L V12s with a 14,000 rpm redline so they go 3,000 km between major rebuilds. About the same peak output of today's V8's but with much more usable power. Unlimited exhaust, lubrication types, and radiator designs, intake.

You've been drinking the IRL kool aid haven't you? F1 is about technology, not spec engines. Plus, a V12 with 14000 rpm at 3.6 liter is a ....... huge race engine. Not a chance in hell will a company build an engine like that that is in anyway affordable. Current engine deals are about 10 million, this engine formula would easily double that.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>1 Transmission - 6 speed sequential manual, transmission specs given to the governing body at race 1. Teams who cannot find a supplier get a spec Cozy transmission.

Cosworth does not and has never built their own gearboxes. Again, cost will go through the roof as now, with a spec engine and other spec rules, you have a team that is willing to spend tens of millions on transmissions, effectively making a spec engine pointless.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Spec Tire - Michelin, Spce fuel, spec ECU - no TC or very limited TC, several fuel mappings

Tire - Already in place with the Bridgestone rules.
Fuel - fuel is not a major issue in F1. There are a few fuel providers in F1, but their are so many rules in place, regulating it, that spec or no spec makes no difference.
ECU - Already in place. Mircosoft and McLaren spent over a year developing it.
TC - My love of technology says keep it, but it is about the driver, not the car.
Fuel Mapping - Already in place. F1 technology is at a level that MotoGP engineers can't even understand.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Spec wings - less downforce

Why not make it a spec car, as team's will just work around it. Unless you restricted the under tray and sidpods.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Spec Engine F1 commissions the design then contracts with Cozy for teams who can't build or find supplier. Manufacturers can build the spec engine in their own facilities. 2.4L V6 rev limited to put out about 550hp+ and make at least 1,500 km.

Was the current F1 idea. Cosworth were that new engine supplier.

This engine would get blown away by a GP2 car, and that is not what Bernie and Max want with F1.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>1 Transmission - semi auto paddles, the transmission specs are given to the governing body at race 1, teams who can't build their own or find a supplier get a spec Cozy transmission.

Again, team's will spend tens of millions, effectively making the idea of spec parts pointless.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Spec tire - Narrower or harder Michelin, Spec fuel, Spec ECU - very limited TC, several fuel mappings

Why Michelin? Narrower tyres won't make a difference. Was proposed in Nascar (10 inch wide tires to 8 inch) and was told by race engineers that they could adjust around it and have no major dropoff in times or car handling.




<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Drastically reduce width (1.4m or less), reduce length but set min cockpit dimension. Drastically reduce allowable min weight to 500kg with driver (a lot of F1 cars already weigh much less).

Light cars cost money. If anything, you'd raise the weight to benefit the heavier drivers (Kubica, Raikkonen).

Smaller cars will not do much benefit unless your planning to run much of the schedule on street circuits (was the reason Champ Car went with a narrower machine in 20070.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>FOTA wishlist:

1. Top Speed limit
2. Spec Fuel
3. Spec Tire
4. Min/max dimensions similar to current F1
5. Spec wings
6. No other rules.

The FOTA governing body builds 2 boxes (1 big, 1 small) with the approximate look they want the car to have. If the chassis fits inside the big box and doesn't fit in the small box, it can be raced. Of course, they would use an actual box, it would all be done on computers.

What? Why a top speed limit? Unless it a 180mph limit, it does not make much of a difference, as most F1 cars reach about the same top end (within 4-5 mph). It is not like bike racing where there is as much as 10-15 mph top end speed.

Return to the rules of 2005-2006. Technology at it's best.

Add a different set of stewards for each race, with set rules.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Hate to break it to you, but with Bernie and Max in control, you'll never see any of this. Plus, with the FOTA series, F1 is dead anyway. You have a choice of watching Ferrari or Manor Motorsport, who are you going to choose?

You're committing the fundamental error that is plaguing the media and the doomsday forecasters-----they are all assuming everything will remain the same after the split.

As soon as FOTA and FIA split, there will be an immediate courtship war for new manufacturers, PORSCHE and Ford in particular. Porsche is the world's most profitable brand, Ford has the second most wins in F1 history for an engine manufacturer----neither compete in F1

Of the top 10 motor car producing companies (Toyota, GM, Porsche Group, Ford, Hyundai Kia, Honda, Peugot Citroen, Nissan, Fiat, Renault) only 3 compete (Toyota, Fiat, Renault). Of the top 20 car manufacturers, only 5 compete. Notable names missing from the top 20 are Suzuki, Chrysler Group, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Tata Motors (Jaguar), Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru).

F1 have a huge leg up on FOTA because they have a 40,000,000 GBP budget cap in place for next season. Cost containment is very important to the new entrants and 40 million is a tiny fraction of the technological R&D or advertising budgets of major auto manufacturers. Furthermore, auto conglomerations might be enticed to enter more than 1 marque of vehicle. Porsche may run Audi and Lamborghini. Maybe FIAT will authorize the return of Alpha Romeo or Maserati to F1 just to hedge their bets.

If F1 can still generate viewership, sponsor money will have teams operating in the black

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>You've been drinking the IRL kool aid haven't you? F1 is about technology, not spec engines. Plus, a V12 with 14000 rpm at 3.6 liter is a ....... huge race engine. Not a chance in hell will a company build an engine like that that is in anyway affordable. Current engine deals are about 10 million, this engine formula would easily double that.

How would that engine be expensive? A 12 cylinder engine that is limited to 14,000rpm? That's not much above LMP2 spec. Obviously the F1 engine would have more exotic internals that drastically increase horsepower. A 3.6 V12 also sticks to the 300cc per cylinder rule that F1 have had for quite some time now.

Such an engine would be very similar to the engines of the 1989-1994 era which were limited to 3.5 liters. Back in those days manufacturers like Porsche, Lamborghini, Subaru, Yamaha, and Ford were participants in F1. Plus a 3.6L V12 is a good marketing move because it will be significantly detuned but it won't SOUND that way because the engine will fire 50% more often per crank rotation than the current V-8s.

In case you weren't alive back then:
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These Ferraris made about 15,000rpm during the end of the 3.5L formula.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>This engine would get blown away by a GP2 car, and that is not what Bernie and Max want with F1.

Light cars cost money. If anything, you'd raise the weight to benefit the heavier drivers (Kubica, Raikkonen).

Smaller cars will not do much benefit unless your planning to run much of the schedule on street circuits (was the reason Champ Car went with a narrower machine in 2007

Really? A 700kg GP2 car with 600hp would beat a 500kg car with 550hp with much better tires and a shorter wheelbase? Most teams are already hundreds of kg below the min. They are well below the min so they can offset the weight of the engine/transmission with front end ballast. 500kg might be a bit aggressive but it could be increased to 550kg with no problems. The engine is also conservatively rated as well. 550 hp out of 2.4L is only 230hp/liter---way below current F1 standards.

But if you're worried about the power, F1 could always move to a 1.8L turbocharged V-6. The old 1.5L turbos were rumored to produce over 1,000 hp


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>What? Why a top speed limit? Unless it a 180mph limit, it does not make much of a difference, as most F1 cars reach about the same top end (within 4-5 mph). It is not like bike racing where there is as much as 10-15 mph top end speed.

Return to the rules of 2005-2006. Technology at it's best.

If F1 has limited downforce with no displacement rules, the cars will go 300mph!!! The spec tire would cost 50,000 per set.

This F1/FOTA thing is weird...

I'm most worried about, which series will be the number 1 next year and will both series be aired in Finland...

FOTA of course looks better with the teams, but let's see...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Wander @ Jun 20 2009, 04:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>This F1/FOTA thing is weird...

I'm most worried about, which series will be the number 1 next year and will both series be aired in Finland...

FOTA of course looks better with the teams, but let's see...

The BBC is poised to join FOTA, and more than likely all television broadcasts will follow suit.

Bernie and Max just dug themselves their grave.

The FOTA series would have the top teams and drivers, so while not having FIA backing, it will be ahead of F1 and it's series.

But saying all this, I still feel Max will be fired, and Bernie and the new guy in charge will agree to the FOTA rules.

Max is saying that "FOTA is bluffing".

... I don't know... I think HE might be the one bluffing.

Oh and another matter I forgot, how will the new series be called?

Formula FOTA?

Formula FYF? (.... You FIA)

GP1?

GPWS (Grand Prix world series)?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Hayden Fan @ Jun 20 2009, 07:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>The BBC is poised to join FOTA, and more than likely all television broadcasts will follow suit.

Bernie and Max just dug themselves their grave.

The FOTA series would have the top teams and drivers, so while not having FIA backing, it will be ahead of F1 and it's series.

But saying all this, I still feel Max will be fired, and Bernie and the new guy in charge will agree to the FOTA rules.

What are you talking about?

I'm not trying to defend the FIA or FOM, but there is a ton more to the business than building cars and going racing.

FIA/FOM have a relationship with the venue owners, they have relationships with the sponsors, the have relationships with government officials, they have a PROVEN business model that has produced multi-billion dollar show.

What grave are you talking about? 2010 would certainly be a terrible season with low ratings for F1 (even if the racing were superb) b/c of the schism with FOTA, but it won't be a cake-walk for FOTA if they bail.

FOTA don't have close relationships as series promoters with the venue owners. They don't have close relationships with the F1 title sponsors. They don't have a rules package for next season. They don't have relationships with the TV networks from the promotion side of the business. They don't have a racing series brand or any intellectual media properties that have been a PROVEN success. They don't have a sanctioning body or a promotion company behind them.

In addition, 15 of the top 20 global car manufacturers don't go anywhere near F1 under the current rules package and expenditure requirements. There are a dozen automobile conglomerates that could be brought in to the sport, and there are tens of valuable marques that could be raced.

If FOTA were smart they would stay in F1 and agree to the 40,000,000 budget cap. In the mean time they could continue their FOTA ambitions outside of the sport of F1 and then start their own open wheeled series with the rules they want after the current Concorde expires and they have struck the exclusivity clauses from the contract.

What's the worst that could happen? After 4 or 5 seasons FOTA fails and they go back to F1 exclusively. They use their power to pressure the FIA into making another concorde agreement.

correct me if i'm wrong guys, but FOTA may not have the equation that would create a multi million dollar show like F1, and yes lex, you are right that looking at it at the business side of things, they don't have the experience and resources (e.g. TV partnership) but i think they experience wise, it'll take some time to learn managing this new series. Resources wise, i think it will be not that easy but it will come. Why? Because looking at it from the fans point of view, most of them or many of them (like me) would follow FOTA to whatever series they want. I don't think many of the ferrari fans, for example, would stay and watch f1 should ferrari bail out. . What FOTA has are the fans. And sponsors and all those resources need will surely recognize this, as whre the people are, that's wehere the money is.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (somedamnwriter @ Jun 20 2009, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>correct me if i'm wrong guys, but FOTA may not have the equation that would create a multi million dollar show like F1, and yes lex, you are right that looking at it at the business side of things, they don't have the experience and resources (e.g. TV partnership) but i think they experience wise, it'll take some time to learn managing this new series. Resources wise, i think it will be not that easy but it will come. Why? Because looking at it from the fans point of view, most of them or many of them (like me) would follow FOTA to whatever series they want. I don't think many of the ferrari fans, for example, would stay and watch f1 should ferrari bail out. . What FOTA has are the fans. And sponsors and all those resources need will surely recognize this, as whre the people are, that's wehere the money is.

FOTA has the BBC coming. That is the top F1 broadcast team in the world. You have venues around the world angry at Bernie and Max for pulling the plug, as well as venue's seeking a Grand Prix, and venue's on the F1 schedule not very happy with Bernie and Max.

Seems to me that FOTA will be a lot of European and North/South American based, while F1 will be Asian based.

I'm a Ferrari fan, and I'll follow Ferrari to what ever series they run. But saying that, if Bernie and Max's show can put on some decent racing with no name drivers and team's, I might try to tune in.

All I know is that the first FOTA logo came out earlier today and I was pretty amused.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (somedamnwriter @ Jun 20 2009, 04:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>correct me if i'm wrong guys, but FOTA may not have the equation that would create a multi million dollar show like F1, and yes lex, you are right that looking at it at the business side of things, they don't have the experience and resources (e.g. TV partnership) but i think they experience wise, it'll take some time to learn managing this new series. Resources wise, i think it will be not that easy but it will come. Why? Because looking at it from the fans point of view, most of them or many of them (like me) would follow FOTA to whatever series they want. I don't think many of the ferrari fans, for example, would stay and watch f1 should ferrari bail out. . What FOTA has are the fans. And sponsors and all those resources need will surely recognize this, as whre the people are, that's wehere the money is.

You've got it right, but you must realize that the F1 fans are accustomed to a very very high quality racing production. FIA/FOM have very detailed knowledge about producing the show and they have experienced personnel to get it done.

Assembling a production crew who know how to work with the national cameramen and who know how to stay within the legal framework when visiting so many different countries would be EXTREMELY difficult for FOTA (someone like Ezy would have to help them). FOTA don't even have the venues booked for next season! The FIA/FOM know FOTA are full of it, they just don't know what the hell FOTA want.

Max has made serious miscalculation in using the current financial disaster to try to ram home the budget caps. What he won't tell you is that F1 are trying to get into the Asian market (China & India) but they have absolutely no chance of getting Asia involved when ludicrous Western money rules the paddock.

I'm not sure why everyone keeps saying F1 is screwed. Just play out the logical course of action in the event of a split. FOTA leaves and Cosworth are the only engine constructor left in F1 paddock so F1 are make their most important 1st move to acquire Honda (#5 on the engine manufacturer win list). Honda could take over F1 they way they have taken over MotoGP.

Ford (#2 on the engine manufacturers all time win list) would also benefit from rejoining F1 under restricted budgets. Ford could probably knock off Ferrari within a few years if they worked with Williams.

After that, Bernie & Max could hit up all of the other manufacturers who would be eager to notch a few wins on the F1 list while the "big guns" are away. Securing Porsche, Puegot, or Nissan would be big news. They need to get Tata motors to bring Jaguar back in to support Force India.

After that go after the drivers. Start with Piquet and Senna---since they have big names then ring up all the recently fired drivers and the newly retired vets who might want to write their name in the history books.

FOTA have no cards to play outside of the vehicles and the equipment. They can hand out free engines to privateers and they can attract the world's best driving talent. If they don't focus on the racing or the show, they will lose fans no matter how little they charge for admission.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Jun 21 2009, 08:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>You've got it right, but you must realize that the F1 fans are accustomed to a very very high quality racing production. FIA/FOM have very detailed knowledge about producing the show and they have experienced personnel to get it done.

Assembling a production crew who know how to work with the national cameramen and who know how to stay within the legal framework when visiting so many different countries would be EXTREMELY difficult for FOTA (someone like Ezy would have to help them). FOTA don't even have the venues booked for next season! The FIA/FOM know FOTA are full of it, they just don't know what the hell FOTA want.

Max has made serious miscalculation in using the current financial disaster to try to ram home the budget caps. What he won't tell you is that F1 are trying to get into the Asian market (China & India) but they have absolutely no chance of getting Asia involved when ludicrous Western money rules the paddock.

I'm not sure why everyone keeps saying F1 is screwed. Just play out the logical course of action in the event of a split. FOTA leaves and Cosworth are the only engine constructor left in F1 paddock so F1 are make their most important 1st move to acquire Honda (#5 on the engine manufacturer win list). Honda could take over F1 they way they have taken over MotoGP.

Ford (#2 on the engine manufacturers all time win list) would also benefit from rejoining F1 under restricted budgets. Ford could probably knock off Ferrari within a few years if they worked with Williams.

After that, Bernie & Max could hit up all of the other manufacturers who would be eager to notch a few wins on the F1 list while the "big guns" are away. Securing Porsche, Puegot, or Nissan would be big news. They need to get Tata motors to bring Jaguar back in to support Force India.

After that go after the drivers. Start with Piquet and Senna---since they have big names then ring up all the recently fired drivers and the newly retired vets who might want to write their name in the history books.

FOTA have no cards to play outside of the vehicles and the equipment. They can hand out free engines to privateers and they can attract the world's best driving talent. If they don't focus on the racing or the show, they will lose fans no matter how little they charge for admission.
Why would the other manufacturers join F1 now - they haven't been interested in the past and now F1 will have less appeal - people will say they could only win with the big names gone. FOTA may be of interest to them though...

Also, why do you think FOTA won't concentrate on the show?