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Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 18:12
by Wallio
http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/19/in-wake-of-scandal-venezuela-freezes-sponsorship-money-for-drivers/Seems quite the scandal has rocked Venezuela, and they are temporarily halting all sponsor money. If that $100,000,000 invoice from a few years back is true, I'd be worried if I was Pastor. This could see him get the big ugly ax......
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 18:17
by Dj_bereta
Viso will be sacked from Andretti if this prolongs for the next season.
Also, this could spell doom for Williams and 2014 might be the last season of groove team
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 18:55
by kevinbotz
Well, Williams are looking at a substantial discrepancy in their finances should PDVSA unilaterally abrogate their agreement. A $48 million dollar discrepancy.
The question now will be whether or not Williams have adequate commercial contingency plans in place to address the concomitant fallout from a PDVSA withdrawal. I fear that Williams' future will be conditional upon the success of those safeguards, if they even exist.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 19:00
by Ataxia
kevinbotz wrote:Well, Williams are looking at a substantial discrepancy in their finances should PDVSA unilaterally abrogate their agreement. A $48 million dollar discrepancy.
The question now will be whether or not Williams have adequate commercial contingency plans in place to address the concomitant fallout from a PDVSA withdrawal. I fear that Williams' future will be conditional upon the success of those safeguards, if they even exist.
I doubt Williams would put all of their eggs into one basket, and I'd expect there were financial plans in place for when PDVSA pulled out their money. I'd imagine the department in charge of the budget would have been working out a strategy after Hugo Chavez passed away, maybe even prior to this.
If the rumour about Giedo van der Garde's father-in-law purchasing Toto Wolff's stake in the team is true, then perhaps that would work to soften the blow.
For my own interests too, I'm hoping Williams will weather any potential storm.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 19:08
by andrew2209
Well we'll all be missing Maldonado and Cecotto Jr dearly.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 20:37
by noiceinmydrink
andrew2209 wrote:Well we'll all be missing Maldonado and Cecotto Jr dearly.
Absolutely. Cecotto didn't even make it to F1, the poor bugger. Sleep nicely my dear princesses
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 21:42
by girry
Maldonado does actually deserve a seat in F1 by speed alone but I wouldn't feel sorry for him even if he lost his place, he's got a bit of a cock aura with him thanks to the smoothened road he's had. The others....well, won't miss ya.
As for Williams, reports say they were one of the richest midfield teams, so even if this rumour is true, it will cause major financial damage but will still be repairable..
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 23:29
by Onxy Wrecked
The end of Viso? Me gusta as that means Carlos Munoz now has a ride. Maybe that one off Munoz was in for the 500 will be for Kurt Busch. I also am glad that Johnny Cecotto Jr. won't be in F1 now. An unnamed driver received $66 million and her signature was forged... I suspect it's Milka Duno.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 23:33
by kevinbotz
Various Williams mechanics and engineers have expressed concerns over Maldonado's ability as far back as 2012, specifically directed towards his perennial inconsistency and an almost pathological inability to translate pace into points. A general perception of his conduct as unnecessarily egotistical and intransigent has further reduced his stock as an effective driver.
Reportedly, Williams' senior management were apoplectic following Maldonado's aggressive pass on Bottas at Suzuka. That he's made no secret of his desperation to leave the team, allied with this latest declaration by the Venezuelan government, has in all probability sealed Maldonado's fate in Formula One.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 23:36
by Onxy Wrecked
kevinbotz wrote:Various Williams mechanics and engineers have expressed concerns over Maldonado's ability as far back as 2012, specifically directed towards his perennial inconsistency and an almost pathological inability to translate pace into points. A general perception of his conduct as unnecessarily egotistical and intransigent has further reduced his stock as an effective driver.
Reportedly, Williams' senior management were apoplectic following Maldonado's aggressive pass on Bottas at Suzuka. That he's made no secret of his desperation to leave the team, allied with this latest declaration by the Venezuelan government, has in all probability sealed Maldonado's fate in Formula One.
So who will replace the Pastor?
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 23:47
by Aerospeed
Hopefully Davide Valsecchi will make a bid for the seat, he's actually quite a decent driver who has potential to race in F1. Other than that, I should expect a pay-driver to take his place - you can't easily replace the sponsorship cash he's brought over the years, but they can recuperate some of it.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 19 Oct 2013, 23:55
by watka
This is pretty damaging news for Williams and despite his win, I can't see Maldonado getting an F1 seat without his money. Looks like Williams could be fighting with Sauber over Sirotkin!
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 20 Oct 2013, 04:09
by Sublime_FA11C
Idk, the guy won a race. Yes he is inconsistent, but he has ability. Even though he paid for his seat, the seat he paid for was rubbish most of the time and yet he won a race. Can't really say how effective and dangerous he can be when his machine can barely outpace Claterhams these days.
I think he is in the wrong team, trouble is what team is the right one? Williams will never in a million years build a car&team around Maldonado and i don't think any of the higher up teams would either. That leaves Force India and Sauber as options, as Toro Rosso serves a different purpose.
It's probably too late for the guy, it would require a team to invest 2 years in him and he may or may not deliver another win. Personality and inconsistency are hurting him, and he lashed out at his own team out of frustration when he felt it wasn't launching his career, but he is probably the "pay-driverest" pay-driver ever, and yet he delivered more then almost all other pay-drivers combined. And he is an unapologetic racer, something i would like to see bothering the top 6 in any race.
Hmmm, another driver who may regret past confrontations with his team is Di Resta. o.O Personality and inconsistency are hurting him as well. But i digress...
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 20 Oct 2013, 06:04
by Jocke1
Onxy Wrecked wrote: So who will replace the Pastor?
Father O'Malley?
http://youtu.be/NhxToGSDgNk
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 20 Oct 2013, 06:24
by wsrgo
Onxy Wrecked wrote: So who will replace the Pastor?
Barnabas the balmy?
Father Jetson?
Hannibal Lecter?
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 20 Oct 2013, 07:17
by mario
giraurd wrote:Maldonado does actually deserve a seat in F1 by speed alone but I wouldn't feel sorry for him even if he lost his place, he's got a bit of a cock aura with him thanks to the smoothened road he's had. The others....well, won't miss ya.
As for Williams, reports say they were one of the richest midfield teams, so even if this rumour is true, it will cause major financial damage but will still be repairable..
That still doesn't leave them in a great financial position though given that most of the midfield is technically bankrupt. Their latest financial accounts indicate that they are loss making, that those losses are increasing (£5.6 million lost over the first half of 2013, compared to £4.6 million for the equivalent period in 2012) and that their revenue is effectively stagnant.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24013061
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 20 Oct 2013, 09:52
by good_Ralf
Onxy Wrecked wrote: So who will replace the Pastor?
Felipe Nasr! Jack Harvey! Jordan King!
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 20 Oct 2013, 10:44
by Jocke1
I remember before, before the victory. No one was here.
After the victory, everyone is looking for me. Everyone is here.
How many are there now, Pastor?
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 20 Oct 2013, 16:44
by SgtPepper
Jocke1 wrote:I remember before, before the victory. No one was here.
After the victory, everyone is looking for me. Everyone is here.
How many are there now, Pastor?
I'd love to nab that avatar as mine seems to have stopped showing, but I think Pasta has first dibs
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 20 Oct 2013, 23:26
by dr-baker
Onxy Wrecked wrote:So who will replace the Pastor?
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 01:09
by Visconti
dr-baker wrote:Onxy Wrecked wrote:So who will replace the Pastor?
I'd rather Johnny Cecotto Jr.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 02:30
by Onxy Wrecked
dr-baker wrote:Onxy Wrecked wrote:So who will replace the Pastor?
Who is that?!?
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 06:33
by RonDenisDeletraz
dr-baker wrote:Onxy Wrecked wrote:So who will replace the Pastor?
No, she doesn't and never will deserve a F1 drive.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 07:19
by CoopsII
Onxy Wrecked wrote:So who will replace the Pastor?
Massa.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 08:08
by Alextrax52
dr-baker wrote:Onxy Wrecked wrote:So who will replace the Pastor?
Obviously
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 09:21
by dr-baker
Onxy Wrecked wrote:dr-baker wrote:Onxy Wrecked wrote:So who will replace the Pastor?
Who is that?!?
Seriously?
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 09:57
by CoopsII
I think they should stick Wolff in the car for next year for a few reasons. Firstly, one way or another it will stop her annoying me by being the current token-female-driver-vying-for-an-F1 drive. Secondly, she wont need paying. Thirdly, she may end up doing OK, stranger things have happened. Fourthly, like it or not, she will earn Williams press coverage just by turning up. Lastly, irrespective of the many other drivers who 'deserve a seat', its unlikely whoever they employ will be troubling the podium next season so what the hell?
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 10:24
by Onxy Wrecked
dr-baker wrote:
The PDVSA sponsorship sort of messed me up you see. And no, she doesn't belong in F1!
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 12:15
by dr-baker
CoopsII wrote:I think they should stick Wolff in the car for next year for a few reasons. Firstly, one way or another it will stop her annoying me by being the current token-female-driver-vying-for-an-F1 drive. Secondly, she wont need paying. Thirdly, she may end up doing OK, stranger things have happened. Fourthly, like it or not, she will earn Williams press coverage just by turning up. Lastly, irrespective of the many other drivers who 'deserve a seat', its unlikely whoever they employ will be troubling the podium next season so what the hell?
And sixthly (Because your lastly was a fifthly), it would please the hell outta me!
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 15:05
by CoopsII
dr-baker wrote:CoopsII wrote:I think they should stick Wolff in the car for next year for a few reasons. Firstly, one way or another it will stop her annoying me by being the current token-female-driver-vying-for-an-F1 drive. Secondly, she wont need paying. Thirdly, she may end up doing OK, stranger things have happened. Fourthly, like it or not, she will earn Williams press coverage just by turning up. Lastly, irrespective of the many other drivers who 'deserve a seat', its unlikely whoever they employ will be troubling the podium next season so what the hell?
And sixthly (Because your lastly was a fifthly), it would please the hell outta me!
I do think people are being kinda sexist when they declare how Wolff has no place in F1, unless they are equally vehement against every other male driver who lucks into a seat for arguably the wrong reasons, which they generally don't. In terms of ability based on her career so far I'd agree she
hasnt done enough to justify a race-seat but that
many other male drivers have got a seat with a similar or worse career history.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 15:08
by Salamander
CoopsII wrote:I do think people are being kinda sexist when they declare how Wolff has no place in F1, unless they are equally vehement against every other male driver who lucks into a seat for arguably the wrong reasons, which they generally don't. In terms of ability based on her career so far I'd agree she hasnt done enough to justify a race-seat but that many other male drivers have got a seat with a similar or worse career history.
While I do see your main point, I don't recall any F1 driver having as awful a career record as Susie Wolff has had, though I would certainly be willing to retract this statement if you proved it wrong.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 15:09
by CoopsII
Salamander wrote:CoopsII wrote:I do think people are being kinda sexist when they declare how Wolff has no place in F1, unless they are equally vehement against every other male driver who lucks into a seat for arguably the wrong reasons, which they generally don't. In terms of ability based on her career so far I'd agree she hasnt done enough to justify a race-seat but that many other male drivers have got a seat with a similar or worse career history.
While I do see your main point, I don't recall any F1 driver having as awful a career record as Susie Wolff has had, though I would certainly be willing to retract this statement if you proved it wrong.
Off the top of my head and with no Wikipedia to hand I think Gaston Mazzacane was pretty awful en route to F1, but there have been others.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 15:18
by Salamander
CoopsII wrote:Salamander wrote:CoopsII wrote:I do think people are being kinda sexist when they declare how Wolff has no place in F1, unless they are equally vehement against every other male driver who lucks into a seat for arguably the wrong reasons, which they generally don't. In terms of ability based on her career so far I'd agree she hasnt done enough to justify a race-seat but that many other male drivers have got a seat with a similar or worse career history.
While I do see your main point, I don't recall any F1 driver having as awful a career record as Susie Wolff has had, though I would certainly be willing to retract this statement if you proved it wrong.
Off the top of my head and with no Wikipedia to hand I think Gaston Mazzacane was pretty awful en route to F1, but there have been others.
That is true, but at least Mazzacane had been racing single seaters up to the point where he was hired as a test driver. Until the young driver test this year, Wolff hadn't turned a wheel in a single seater for over 8 years, I believe.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 15:41
by CoopsII
Salamander wrote:That is true, but at least Mazzacane had been racing single seaters up to the point where he was hired as a test driver. Until the young driver test this year, Wolff hadn't turned a wheel in a single seater for over 8 years, I believe.
Yeah and its a kinda sad indictment that we're weighing up the chances of a driver not even as good as Gaston Mazzacane getting a drive with multi champions Williams but it is what it is.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 15:57
by Jocke1
Onxy Wrecked wrote: So who will replace the Pastor?
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 16:00
by CoopsII
Onxy Wrecked wrote: So who will replace the Pastor?
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 16:08
by Klon
dr-baker wrote:Onxy Wrecked wrote:So who will replace the Pastor?
If Wolff gets a drive, I riot ... and then I complain online.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 17:06
by Jocke1
CoopsII wrote:Onxy Wrecked wrote: So who will replace the Pastor?
-It's time to call Joe Tanto.
-What's he doing?
-He's humming...
-Watch this, he's gonna do his coin bit.
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 17:08
by Alextrax52
Jocke1 wrote:CoopsII wrote:Onxy Wrecked wrote: So who will replace the Pastor?
-It's time to call Joe Tanto.
-What's he doing?
-He's humming...
-Watch this, he's gonna do his coin bit.
One of the rare highlights of Driven
Re: Venezuela Freezes all Sponsorships
Posted: 21 Oct 2013, 21:15
by watka
Onxy Wrecked wrote:So who will replace the Pastor?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8PC1_3fjvs
One for Cynon