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Alfa Romeo Sauber F1

"Alfa Romeo will return to Formula 1 with Sauber in 2018 after the two organisations agreed to a wide-ranging technical partnership, which will see the Swiss team become known as Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team, with the Italian car brand to be their new title sponsor."

https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/11/29 ... th-sauber/

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Mercedes Threatens to Quit

Unlike Ferrari who are worried about the racing, sport and competition Mercedes is just about money and Toto's profits.

"Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has revealed that he has yet to see a clear vision for the future of Formula 1 from Liberty Media and, like Ferrari, he would consider withdrawing his team from the sport if the new owners do not stick to the ethos of the sport at the highest level.

"Nobody knows where the journey is going. All we know now is that sales and profits have fallen sharply.""

https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/11/29 ... mula-1-if/
http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns37879.html

[sagi58]

Mercedes Threatens to Quit

Unlike Ferrari who are worried about the racing, sport and competition Mercedes is just about money and Toto's profits.

"Mercedes boss Toto Wolff [says] "Nobody knows where the journey is going. All we know now is that sales and profits have fallen sharply.""

https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/11/29 ... mula-1-if/
http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns37879.html

Maybe sales/profits has fallen sharply for other reasons?
Like... I don't know... a global economic crisis?

[myownalias]

This is why I don't like the manufacturer teams dominating F1, they are driven by their bottom line, not the passion for the racing. Look at Williams, they have more reason than many to cut their losses and leave F1, their business side, Williams Advanced Engineering brings in money to help support the F1 team, their F1 team is a drain on resources, especially now, when Williams is on a sustained downturn, prize winnings are less than the teams operating costs, and Williams operates on a relatively small budget comes to the top teams.

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sagi the economy is fine right now! But F1 is effectively driving around with a blown engine after four years of Merc domination and a bad powertrain formula.

Anyway it is worrying Merc enough that even though they are on top that they will pull out if their huge profit margin isn't there. And Toto has his 30% investment to worry about! One gets the feeling that the slightest threat to his profits will have Toto moving his investment to the next best thing. A racer or a team with a racing heritage, not really.

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This is why I don't like the manufacturer teams dominating F1, they are driven by their bottom line, not the passion for the racing. Look at Williams, they have more reason than many to cut their losses and leave F1, their business side, Williams Advanced Engineering brings in money to help support the F1 team, their F1 team is a drain on resources, especially now, when Williams is on a sustained downturn, prize winnings are less than the teams operating costs, and Williams operates on a relatively small budget comes to the top teams.

I can't see Mercedes withstanding any kind of losing streak or a drop in roi. You are right there is no passion for racing there. They will be gone within 5 years.

[Stephen]

This is quite tactical by Toto, Mercedes are never going to accept second place and one day that'll come - however good Lewis may be. I believe this provides Mercedes an excuse should they see the writing on the wall. I can see the headline now, 'Merc quit after first race citing failures in the sport and the world-wide shift to non-ICE vehicles'.

[sagi58]

Considering all the advantages they've had to win each and everyone of their titles,
it's no wonder they want to run out at the slightest hint of REAL competition!!

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Craig Scarborough‏
@ScarbsTech
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It's reported by Motorsport Italy that Kimi's race engineer Dave Greenwood has left the Ferrari team to join his old colleagues at Manor in the WEC. No word on why or who'll replace him.

https://twitter.com/ScarbsTech/status/9 ... 9380412416

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'Newey steps down at Red Bull.'

If true how long will Verstappen stay at Red Bull? Where will Newey go?

Pierre Wache is his replacement.

http://soymotor.com/soymotor/noticias/n ... =hootsuite

edit: Pache is new technical director, Newey to stay on as 'chiel technical officer'

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red- ... 0701196142

[myownalias]

I thought that Newey was supposed to be taking a back seat in 2016, to work on other projects?

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Yes but he came back midway last year and was working on the '18 car as well.

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Mercedes getting the call on tire selection for three races to avoid blistering on the Mercedes cars. Apparently Merc suffered blistering during testing in Barcelona and Pirelli has come up with a special tire the GP's at Barcelona, Paul Ricard and Silverstone. (Unfair) Advantage Merc.

Tobi Grüner
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Verified account

@tgruener
Follow @tgruener

After a request by Mercedes, Pirelli will bring special tyres with a reduced tread to Barcelona, Paul Ricard & Silverstone to avoid blistering.

https://twitter.com/tgruener/status/982343687165296640

After extreme blistering in Barcelona, ​​Mercedes Pirelli has asked for help. The tire manufacturer reacts in 3 races with a thinner tread. Not exactly to the delight of the competition.

https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/for ... ufflaeche/

[darwin dali]

Which 3 races will Ferrari or Red Bull get to order special tires for, huh?

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After Merc clinches the titles and there are three or four races left maybe the other teams can have some custom Pirelli's too!