TBK-Light.com

Ecclestone denied the access of Vatanen to the grid of Formula 1 in Monza.

Any conclusions possible?

Vatanen calls for a back-to-basics approach 04/09/09 20:04

With Formula One Management opting to move the British Grand Prix from Silverstone to Donington next year, the BRDC-owned circuit seemingly has a new friend in FIA President hopeful Ari Vatanen who is keen to see Formula One continue to race at the traditional grand prix venues. He is seemingly a champion for a back-to-basics approach, something that could become an issue with the commercial rights holders.

"I am not against Donington but I am for Silverstone because I don't see it as a sensible move from an overall point of view to go to Donington," he told Reuters India.

F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone has been a long-time critic of the Northamptonshire circuit, particularly in terms of facilities and the seemingly inability of the British Racing Drivers Club to bring the circuit up to the standard enjoyed at many state-funded venues in that are now prevalent on the F1 calendar.

"The fact that Silverstone may not have a race, Hockenheim may not have a race next year, France may not have a race... it means we are alienating the traditional customers and fans and it is not so easy to win them back," said Vatanen.

Forget about working class families attending F1 races in the future in the UK and Europe, Vatanen insists that the relatively affluent middle classes are now being prices out of the sport.

"We can have a short term gain but a long-term cost and Silverstone is the symbol of that," he said. "If the races are expensive to organise, if the ticket prices are so high that the normal middle class family cannot go with their children to see a race, it means that something is wrong.

Ecclestones role at the head of the CVC owned championship is simple. He and the company need to finance the debt incurred by buying the series ironically from Ecclestone and his plethora of companies and hence the drive from the traditional European venues and the addition of circuits such as Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and China who are willing to pay the big money.

Vatanen's views should he be elected will almost certainly drive a wedge between the previously cosy relationship with the sports governing body and the commercial rights holders...

Earl ALEXANDER
CAPSIS International

Im not really too bothers which wins as I see both as an improvement, I don't think Todt's ties to Ferrari will be a problem, I think he'd do a much better job than many have been giving him credit. Vatanen will also be an improvement & I get the feeling that he would make some big changes that may not prove popular amongst the leadership of some of the series, hence why the promoters are siding with Todt.

Two failures of series support the continuation of a completely broken system. Not surprising,

According "Sunday Time" Vatanen has already 98 sure vote on a election. It seems that to win the election you have to have 104 votes.