2004-10-02 #2

Disintegrating Formula One

So here is how things stack up today:

• Jaguar Ford is quitting at the end of the year. If they can't find a buyer, they fold.
• If they fold, Jordan is in trouble because they use Cosworth engines, which is effectively Ford.
• Renault is now 'reviewing their involvement'.
• Honda has an 'out' clause in their three year contract with BAR (this being the source of Mr. Button's attempted move to Williams).
• BMW is threatening to withdraw if the smaller engine regulations are forced on constructors.
• Minardi is on the verge of collapse, but this isn't really anything new.
• Toyota won't stand for much more of the lack of return-on-investment.

Meanwhile:

• Canada's inclusion on the calendar is year-to-year, based on the ability to raise an absurd amount of money to compensate the tobacco-sponsored teams for their losses.
• Silverstone has been removed from the provisional calendar for 2005 because of money concerns.
• Discussions indicate San Marino is at risk of beind dropped.

Amusing: BMW is insisting that 'traditional' circuits remain a part of the Formula One schedule, such as Imola, Spa, Silverstone, and Nurburgring. Amusing because even I remember when the modern Nurburgring was a new circuit, added as a dodge to get Germany a second race in the same way that Imola grants Italy a second race a year.