Quote:
Originally Posted by aussieOW1
Exactly. And it's even more prevailant in the UK this year as Volkswagen are putting heavy subsidies into 'their' teams, like Carlin, to ensure that they can get drivers.
The sad thing is that Australian Formula 3 has more respect internationally (Simply because it is 'F3') than it does in Austrlaia because so far the governing body refuses to get behind it. Going to Australia does make sense for some of these Euros simply because a) they can win an internationally recognised F3 series, and b), they can spend GBP 100 - 130,000 poiunds instead of half a million pounds for a championship British drive.
But of course with the British economy more in the toilet than our own, it probably hasn't worked as intended!
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For a lot of these formula teams to survive they will have to get beyond ride buyers and start sourcing sponsors/partners/patrons to float part of the cost. Otherwise many will not survive. The number of dads available right now to write out a six figure check for their son to play with racing cars, is few and far between. As an example, just in the past 2 months $3 Trillion dollars of wealth has been wiped out in the stock market in the USA, so in this economic climate the money isn't there for these frivolous extravagances such as racing formula cars. Everyone is trying to hold their business together right now.
Again even though racing in Aus F3 may be cheaper, it wont be of much value to those dreaming of F1. It is similar to the US formula series which many turn to due to being less expensive with good prize money. But the only good is does for you is in the USA. F1 teams are not looking to USA junior formula series for talent.