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Marussia Formula One team have ceased trading and the 200 staff at their Oxfordshire factory have been made redundant.
Since the team were put into administration two weeks ago, there had been serious talks about a rescue deal, but no buyer came up with a good enough offer, dashing hopes that they would make it to the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
The team submitted their entry for the 2015 season in recent days, but it is understood that they did not have sufficient cash to pay their bills and the entry fee by the end of the month. Staff at their Banbury base have not been paid since the end of October and will now have to look for jobs elsewhere.
Graeme Lowdon, the sporting director, was at the last race in Austin for a series of meetings and has been frantically trying to gather investors.
Geoff Rowley, administrator at FRP Advisory, said: "It goes without saying that it is deeply regrettable that a business with such a great following in British and world motorsport has had to cease trading and close its doors.”
Well, Hamilton leads Rosberg with a max of 50 available in Abu Dhabi. He must come in 2nd if Rosberg wins to win the WC; 3rd or below with Rosberg winning and Nico is WC. I like the WC is coming down to the last race; I despise double points and worse, the WC being decided in Abu Dhabi. It should be Suzuka or Brazil like it was forever.
Rant #2: Keep fucking Piquet off the podium please FIA!!! "So, Lewis, I have to ask . . . . where is your girlfriend?" Um, really?? That was the dipshit's first question on the podium to Lew. I have always hated Piquet (and his rat kid) but that just amped up my dislike for him even more.
Last edited by Chief F1 Fan; 11-10-2014 at 05:11 AM.
Chief I agree. I heard that question after the race and was like did he really just ask that. Maybe I am missing something but that was so out of left field.
Fernando Alonso's switch to the McLaren Formula 1 team from Ferrari is set to be confirmed before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, once the team knows who his team-mate will be.
Fernando Alonso's switch to the McLaren Formula 1 team is set to be confirmed before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, once the team knows who his teammate will be.
Sources close to the team have revealed that Alonso has now finalized a big-money move from Ferrari to McLaren next year, renewing a partnership that ended prematurely in 2007 after a tumultuous campaign.
His decision to accept McLaren's overtures has, however, forced the team into making a difficult decision between Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen for the seat alongside him. The closeness of their performances this year has left the team unable to come to a swift conclusion about who should line up alongside Alonso.
While Magnussen has impressed with his pace this season, it is Button's higher scoring rate and experience, which would help development of the new Honda engine, that has left some senior figures believing it should go with him. It is suggested that Alonso would also prefer for Button to remain on board next year because it would help accelerate the team's push toward the front of the grid.
However, financial factors could also play a role in the decision, with Magnussen being a much cheaper option for the team.
BRAZIL PERFORMANCE A BOOST FOR BUTTON
Button did his chances of earning a new contract no harm in the Brazilian Grand Prix, coming home fourth behind the two Mercedes drivers and Felipe Massa's Williams. It is understood that meetings will take place at McLaren's headquarters this week to finally settle whether it is Button or Magnussen who stays on board in 2015.
Button said at the weekend he is keeping focused on his driving, hoping it is enough to win over McLaren's bosses.
Alonso finalises switch to McLaren
"I'm here to race [and] do the best job I can which is what I try and do every weekend," he said. "Sometimes it doesn't work out but most of the time it does.
"All you've got to do is drive the car as fast as you can and carry yourself as well as you can. The rest isn't in your hands."
VETTEL ANNOUNCEMENT IMMINENT
Confirmation of Alonso's 2015 plans will clear the way for Ferrari to finally go public that his replacement next year will be Sebastian Vettel.
As part of its settlement with Alonso to end his contract early, Ferrari agreed that it would not announce its 2015 lineup until the Spaniard had settled his future. However, Red Bull's decision to go public at the Japanese Grand Prix that Vettel was leaving for Ferrari has meant his switch to Maranello became an open secret.
Button may keep his ride after all.
Public support from Alonso and perhaps a paycut he will hopefully drive on in McLaren-Honda next year. He did look like a driver with something to prove (like keeping his job) on Sunday with his level-headed drive to 4th.
I hope that never happens. If we go down that route, how longer before there are only three teams? This is road to a spec series.
True. I forget which teams were mentioned when it was said (RBR & someone else).
How many is too many in the field? 10, 3 car teams. 30 car grid? Too much
True. I forget which teams were mentioned when it was said (RBR & someone else).
How many is too many in the field? 10, 3 car teams. 30 car grid? Too much
I think Red Bull and McLaren were mentioned. I guess the number of teams running a third car will depend on how many teams drop out of F1 besides Caterham and Marussia. F1 needs to maintain 18 cars for contractual reasons. So if F1 loses two more teams in this off season, then Bernie will have to find two teams to run third cars to get the magic 18 cars.
I think Red Bull and McLaren were mentioned. I guess the number of teams running a third car will depend on how many teams drop out of F1 besides Caterham and Marussia. F1 needs to maintain 18 cars for contractual reasons. So if F1 loses two more teams in this off season, then Bernie will have to find two teams to run third cars to get the magic 18 cars.
Ah, I didn't know about the 18 car minimum. So what would that do for teams with 3 cars, points-wise? Do you still get full point towards the const title for the 3rd car?
Well, Hamilton leads Rosberg with a max of 50 available in Abu Dhabi. He must come in 2nd if Rosberg wins to win the WC; 3rd or below with Rosberg winning and Nico is WC. I like the WC is coming down to the last race; I despise double points and worse, the WC being decided in Abu Dhabi. It should be Suzuka or Brazil like it was forever.
Rant #2: Keep fucking Piquet off the podium please FIA!!! "So, Lewis, I have to ask . . . . where is your girlfriend?" Um, really?? That was the dipshit's first question on the podium to Lew. I have always hated Piquet (and his rat kid) but that just amped up my dislike for him even more.