easter excitement
question 1
It has come to light that Lotus (formerly known as Renault/The Gold team) is now longer supported by Group Lotus due to financial difficulties for the company. However the team will remain as Lotus for the foreseeable future. What is your view on the situation and what impacts do you think this will have on the team?
@waheedparker : I think they've obviously not planned their finances correctly! Its early in the season so I doubt they've exhausted their funds. It may impact dramatically on the team, as any potential stand in sponsor would want naming rights, etc. That, coupled with the impact on morale could become a serious problem. Its a pity, because the car and team clearly have what it takes to be competitive.
@Donz358 : I think whole situation is a bit bizarre, especially considering they went to all the effort of changing their name from Lotus Renault to Lotus F1 at the beginning of the year. I think the team is in a very strong position sponsor wise so I don’t think it’ll be too much of a problem for them but it’s a shame to lose the support of the Lotus Group.
@rkid84 : As @domcovkid wrote, "So lotus lost lotus to lotus who are now not sponsored by lotus #ivealwayssaidrenault" it wont make much defference, a new sponsor will come in and the team will still carry on.
@StephanieWeiser : Obviously money wise it will have a big impact on the team and their resources as a race team can never have enough money for R&D. Great for Lotus! Getting free international exposure!
@waheedparker : I think they've obviously not planned their finances correctly! Its early in the season so I doubt they've exhausted their funds. It may impact dramatically on the team, as any potential stand in sponsor would want naming rights, etc. That, coupled with the impact on morale could become a serious problem. Its a pity, because the car and team clearly have what it takes to be competitive.
@Donz358 : I think whole situation is a bit bizarre, especially considering they went to all the effort of changing their name from Lotus Renault to Lotus F1 at the beginning of the year. I think the team is in a very strong position sponsor wise so I don’t think it’ll be too much of a problem for them but it’s a shame to lose the support of the Lotus Group.
@rkid84 : As @domcovkid wrote, "So lotus lost lotus to lotus who are now not sponsored by lotus #ivealwayssaidrenault" it wont make much defference, a new sponsor will come in and the team will still carry on.
@StephanieWeiser : Obviously money wise it will have a big impact on the team and their resources as a race team can never have enough money for R&D. Great for Lotus! Getting free international exposure!
question 2
With less than two weeks until the Bahrain Grand Prix speculations and rumours have gone into overdrive. Do you think the event will go ahead and what do you see the resulting circumstances to be?
@TheSixYearItch : Magny Cours would be my choice as it's the track I grew up watching in the 90's. Not usually an exciting race or track, to be honest a bit like Yas Marina but a decent edition to the calendar as not every race can be action packed. Would prefer to see somewhere like Imola reintroduced. I know Tilke Circuits aren't popular amongst F1 fans and they aren't as good as Spa- Francorchamps/ MOnza but they are bringing a 'modern' spin to the sport so maybe somewhere completely new/street circuit would be a better addition.
@Hedgeryhoops : I'm not even going to predict if Bahrain will go ahead or not. The situation seems to be changing daily. Bernie and the authorities in question seem insistent on the race taking place (money!), but locals and fans are at least not convinced. Will go down to the wire if it's held or not.
@NigelBeechey : I cant see it going ahead? Disappointed but it cant 'just' go ahead for the fans. -I know it wont lol. Still, I took up #SkySportsF1HD to watch a full season! What are the implications on this? I bet Bernie will be paid? perhaps he can share his fee out?
@MarussiaF1Will : I don't think it'll go ahead. I don't want a repeat of last year where it gets put towards the end of the year, should be cancelled and there'll be a 19-race season.
@TheSixYearItch : Magny Cours would be my choice as it's the track I grew up watching in the 90's. Not usually an exciting race or track, to be honest a bit like Yas Marina but a decent edition to the calendar as not every race can be action packed. Would prefer to see somewhere like Imola reintroduced. I know Tilke Circuits aren't popular amongst F1 fans and they aren't as good as Spa- Francorchamps/ MOnza but they are bringing a 'modern' spin to the sport so maybe somewhere completely new/street circuit would be a better addition.
@Hedgeryhoops : I'm not even going to predict if Bahrain will go ahead or not. The situation seems to be changing daily. Bernie and the authorities in question seem insistent on the race taking place (money!), but locals and fans are at least not convinced. Will go down to the wire if it's held or not.
@NigelBeechey : I cant see it going ahead? Disappointed but it cant 'just' go ahead for the fans. -I know it wont lol. Still, I took up #SkySportsF1HD to watch a full season! What are the implications on this? I bet Bernie will be paid? perhaps he can share his fee out?
@MarussiaF1Will : I don't think it'll go ahead. I don't want a repeat of last year where it gets put towards the end of the year, should be cancelled and there'll be a 19-race season.
question 3
It appears that a French Grand Prix return is imminent for 2013 but which french track (magny cours or paul ricard) would you like to see return and why?
@NotOptaF1 : 167- Number of different layouts the Paul Ricard Circuit can accommodate with its variations. Spaghetti.
@BenF1_ : I never saw a grand prix at Paul Ricard (I started watching circa 1999), but I did think Magny-Cours was a terrific circuit. Fast chicanes are my favourite feature of F1 circuits, and Magny-Cours is one of the best for it. Formula 1 needs a race in France, due to the huge role Renault play in the sport, not to mention the increasing numbers of French drivers up and down the grid. Rumours seem to indicate that any deal would be based on a year-by-year swap with Spa-Franchorchamps, which would be tragic, but if it saves Spa being scrapped altogether, then so be it. As I've said many times though, the track I want back on the calendar is Imola, the likelihood that it will ever happen, however, looks to slipping ever further away every day.
@ChrisJ_F1 : I would say Magny Cours, I recently watched the European Le Mans at Paul Ricard and whilst it was interesting, I can imagine it being a second bore fest to Valencia!
@NotOptaF1 : 167- Number of different layouts the Paul Ricard Circuit can accommodate with its variations. Spaghetti.
@BenF1_ : I never saw a grand prix at Paul Ricard (I started watching circa 1999), but I did think Magny-Cours was a terrific circuit. Fast chicanes are my favourite feature of F1 circuits, and Magny-Cours is one of the best for it. Formula 1 needs a race in France, due to the huge role Renault play in the sport, not to mention the increasing numbers of French drivers up and down the grid. Rumours seem to indicate that any deal would be based on a year-by-year swap with Spa-Franchorchamps, which would be tragic, but if it saves Spa being scrapped altogether, then so be it. As I've said many times though, the track I want back on the calendar is Imola, the likelihood that it will ever happen, however, looks to slipping ever further away every day.
@ChrisJ_F1 : I would say Magny Cours, I recently watched the European Le Mans at Paul Ricard and whilst it was interesting, I can imagine it being a second bore fest to Valencia!
bonus question
During the long break between Malaysia and China have you found any blogs/twitters/people that have been interesting to read and that you would recommend to others?
@jo_johnson63 : Sarah with the #F1 poll of the day ,@F1_Fans_Updates keeps us all debating daily about a variety of issues within Formula One and also it gives everyone the chance to meet new Tweeters who love F1. @Podium_Finish blog is also very good and doesn't blind me with technology which I don't always understand ( though I do try)
@ChrisJ_F1 : I would most certainly recommend @ScarbsF1 's blog or the F1 Technical forum for anyone who is interested in the technical aspect of F1.
@jo_johnson63 : Sarah with the #F1 poll of the day ,@F1_Fans_Updates keeps us all debating daily about a variety of issues within Formula One and also it gives everyone the chance to meet new Tweeters who love F1. @Podium_Finish blog is also very good and doesn't blind me with technology which I don't always understand ( though I do try)
@ChrisJ_F1 : I would most certainly recommend @ScarbsF1 's blog or the F1 Technical forum for anyone who is interested in the technical aspect of F1.