Red Bull to BUY Jaguar F1?!
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From Speedtv.com
Red Bull’s ongoing efforts to create an all-American Formula 1 team could be back in the headlines shortly, as the company has been linked with a potential buyout of the Jaguar team from its parent company Ford.
The boss of the energy drink giant, Dietrich Mateschitz, is reportedly very serious about the buyout, which would also include buying the team's engine supplier Cosworth as part of a program to run an all-American team powered by Ford engines. Red Bull, of course, is the sponsor of the driver search program aimed at identifying and preparing young American drivers for F1.
Chances of a buyout increased last weekend when Jaguar’s current primary sponsor, HSBC, revealed it would not continue backing the team beyond 2004. The bank's chairman, Sir John Bond, told shareholders that it was dissatisfied with Jaguar's progress.
“I share your disappointment with the team's performance,” he said. “We did it [sponsorship] to raise our profile and I think it has probably served its purpose. We are committed to the end of 2004 and will make an announcement at the right time.”
A team source told Autosport that the outfit had recently held a successful meeting with Ford, but it is thought that certain conditions need to be met in order for the manufacturer to continue backing the team.
“There is a feeling that he who spends the most wins,” said the source. “But if it is fair and the sport's costs remain sensible, then Ford has every intention of staying.”
Even if the Jaguar buyout does not happen, the drinks giant could become a major backer of the team switching its allegiance from Sauber – who it currently sponsors – to Jaguar with Red Bull-backed F3000 star Vitantonio Liuzzi and Renault test driver Franck Montagny considered possible drivers should Mark Webber leave.
Not sure how I feel about this. I am sick and tired of Ford being a 3rd tier team, but not sure if this is the right route.
Red Bull’s ongoing efforts to create an all-American Formula 1 team could be back in the headlines shortly, as the company has been linked with a potential buyout of the Jaguar team from its parent company Ford.
The boss of the energy drink giant, Dietrich Mateschitz, is reportedly very serious about the buyout, which would also include buying the team's engine supplier Cosworth as part of a program to run an all-American team powered by Ford engines. Red Bull, of course, is the sponsor of the driver search program aimed at identifying and preparing young American drivers for F1.
Chances of a buyout increased last weekend when Jaguar’s current primary sponsor, HSBC, revealed it would not continue backing the team beyond 2004. The bank's chairman, Sir John Bond, told shareholders that it was dissatisfied with Jaguar's progress.
“I share your disappointment with the team's performance,” he said. “We did it [sponsorship] to raise our profile and I think it has probably served its purpose. We are committed to the end of 2004 and will make an announcement at the right time.”
A team source told Autosport that the outfit had recently held a successful meeting with Ford, but it is thought that certain conditions need to be met in order for the manufacturer to continue backing the team.
“There is a feeling that he who spends the most wins,” said the source. “But if it is fair and the sport's costs remain sensible, then Ford has every intention of staying.”
Even if the Jaguar buyout does not happen, the drinks giant could become a major backer of the team switching its allegiance from Sauber – who it currently sponsors – to Jaguar with Red Bull-backed F3000 star Vitantonio Liuzzi and Renault test driver Franck Montagny considered possible drivers should Mark Webber leave.
Not sure how I feel about this. I am sick and tired of Ford being a 3rd tier team, but not sure if this is the right route.
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: February 1, 2004
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Used to be, if A major company like Ford or GM got invlovled in racing, they were instant heavyweights. But with The problems For'd been having staing in the black and fighting off Asian competition, they just don't have the scratch to throw at the team. Ferrari and MaclAren have MASSIVE amounts of money inested in their F1 Teams and they're nearly unstopable except by an equally-sized wallet.
HSBC and Ford just coun't get it done money-wise. With the Cos engine is probably nearly the equal of the top-tier teams (its one of the lightest and best balanced), without money for near-constatn wind tunnel testing and the like the Chassis were never up to par. Worse, their transmissions seemed to suck universally.
I see Red Bull as a good thing, whether they totally buy the team out or just become primary sponsor. They have deep pockets and a real interest in advertising on the F1 circut. Personally, I'd rather see A RedBull Racing team powered by Ford-Owned Cosworth engines, because I don't want Ford to lose sawy over Cos. But as long as blue ovals grace the car i'm fine with whatever route. I'll be sad to see The Green Jags dissappear, but it really hasn't been the same team since Sir Jackie Stewart left anyway.
If they let Marc Webber walk they're insane. Throw money at the man or something but Keep Him There! he's darn good. If they want to be really ballsy they could audition Danica Patrick for the other seat. She's got speed AND looks that will play wonders for the Team's PR.
HSBC and Ford just coun't get it done money-wise. With the Cos engine is probably nearly the equal of the top-tier teams (its one of the lightest and best balanced), without money for near-constatn wind tunnel testing and the like the Chassis were never up to par. Worse, their transmissions seemed to suck universally.
I see Red Bull as a good thing, whether they totally buy the team out or just become primary sponsor. They have deep pockets and a real interest in advertising on the F1 circut. Personally, I'd rather see A RedBull Racing team powered by Ford-Owned Cosworth engines, because I don't want Ford to lose sawy over Cos. But as long as blue ovals grace the car i'm fine with whatever route. I'll be sad to see The Green Jags dissappear, but it really hasn't been the same team since Sir Jackie Stewart left anyway.
If they let Marc Webber walk they're insane. Throw money at the man or something but Keep Him There! he's darn good. If they want to be really ballsy they could audition Danica Patrick for the other seat. She's got speed AND looks that will play wonders for the Team's PR.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 770
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From: Mobile, AL
Lately, even the amount of money poured into the sport does not guarantee a win. Toyota has the biggest budget on the grid and they are at the back, just ahead of Minardi. What Jaguar needs is consistency within the team. They need to quit freaking out after every race and get some good, committed people and stick to a plan like Ferrari did back in 1996. I think since Jag took over for Stewart GP, they have had different leaders almost every year.
Mark Webber will more than likely stay one more year. His manager, Flavio Briatore, runs the Renault team and would rather see the talented Webber languash at the back of the grid rather than challenge his team. But thats just my opinion.
I also would like to see Danica at Jaguar. She drives for Bobby Rahal, who used to run the Jaguar team 3 or 4 years ago. Maybe he still has a little influence there.
Mark Webber will more than likely stay one more year. His manager, Flavio Briatore, runs the Renault team and would rather see the talented Webber languash at the back of the grid rather than challenge his team. But thats just my opinion.
I also would like to see Danica at Jaguar. She drives for Bobby Rahal, who used to run the Jaguar team 3 or 4 years ago. Maybe he still has a little influence there.
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