Ferrari - Bad Sports

[Gt_R]

Indeed.. that's why the test is conducted by test-teams, in Italy, and usually involve the test drivers.

The race team who "work extremely long hours in a highly pressured and stressful job travelling the world, and will often not see their families for weks on end" get a break

I would also think it's nice if everyone will get a three week break, including Ferrari... but let's be honest... Mclaren still opens it paragon, Williams windtunnels are still running 24/7... F1 doesn't just stop for this 3 weeks.

And don't kid ourselves that other teams doesn't don't put their own benefits in the forefront for the sake of "common good".

[chillibowl]

ok ok, maybe i was being too sarcastic and of course i understand that the nature of F1 revolves around bringing in talented people from around the world and they of course deserve the chance to be with their families.

however taht being said, at some point you have to say they made the choice to enter into an incredibly competitive industry, they get paid well, and if their boss wants them to work they work. from an employers point of view, if your employees are losing productivity because they work too hard, then give them time off. if you need the work done despite your emplyees lossing productivity, hire more employees.
anyways, getting a vaction is different than spending time with your family. ones a choice and the other is a luxury, its up to each person to decide which is which.

[Kicking-back]

Originally Posted by chillibowl

they get paid well,

The humble mechanic doesn't get paid particularly well

[ralf fan]

I dont see the mechanics complaining or going on strike..... why is this an issue to us?

[Knowlesy]

Well we never get to hear from the humble mechanics.

Of course, the tech directors, designers etc... work non-stop throughout the break. And their wage and status reflects this. They can't complain really.

Your average mechanic does a tiring job, for a lot less. They need a break.

And all bar the Ferrari test team is getting one.

[ralf fan]

Cmon i doubt Ferrari are forcing them into submission...... remember they are as competitve as the drivers and im sure they want to get Ferrari on the pace...

[Knowlesy]

Maybe, but does that make it right? No.

[chillibowl]

i think we all need some perspective here, well maybe just me. so getting back to the thread topic, are ferrari bad sports for not complying with the summer break when they have done so in years past.
IMO i would have to say yes (i still dont care if people in this sport/business/indusrty get vacations or not). since the summer break is really nothing more than a break from on track activities and nothing more, which ferrari have upheld in the past and are only now not upholding because they are currently not winning. maybe they spend too much money not to win all the time but lossing surely cannot be a good enough reason to break with tradition.

[John Turner]

Are they bad sports or just totally out of touch? Some of their decisions and responses to the ensuing outcries, in recent years, tends to suggest the latter.

[Dutton]

Originally Posted by chillibowl

what are these people teachers! i would love three consecutive weeks off a year.

Teachers do not suddenly do nothing come the "holidays"........

******

Anyway, back to the topic.

Not adhering to this ban is not too great. In previous threads I have supported it, but I had corssed-wires at that point. In terms of the one they have honoured in previous years, but have decided to just not take part in this year.

That is a touch off.

[Marbot]

If Ferrari were leading both championships and were still testing in race weeks and summer breaks,i think this thread (or another one) would be a darn sight longer.It wouldn't be "sporting" in that situation,so why is it "sporting" now? Are the other teams being "sporting" by letting Ferrari catch up?

[Gt_R]

Quote : Are the other teams being "sporting" by letting Ferrari catch up?"

While i'm not sure it is absolutely right, for many reasons stated long ago, it isn't absolutely wrong. A grey area. And no, the other teams are NOT being "sporting" by letting Ferrari catch up..because they did not "let", and neither is it within their area of control that Ferrari has to seek their permission.

I think it is great and important that teams give their employees time off for their family and themselves. Unfortunately, Ferrari found themselves not in a position to provide for such luxury. Is there a rule concerning this issue? Or is it just an agreement? Is Ferrari part of the agreement?

Ferrari had stated at the start of the season that they would not abide by any agreement made unilaterally by the 9 teams. They also stated that testing discussion are discussed as a package, hence by attempting to change the agreement from last year, the 9 teams effectively voided the previous agreement.

[Kicking-back]

But the summer break is something that's been in place for about 5 years - it's nothing to do with any other testing agreements.

Ferrari have always abided by it in the past.

Sometimes I think Brawn/Todt enjoy painting themselves in a corner so they can be at odds with everyone else.

[richard_sykes]

Seems to be paying off though :|

[Dutton]

I read in a post in another forum that the current ban had expired, and thus the 9-team agreement was actually replacing that: it just happens they kept that as feature of the new agreement.

Is there any validity in that position?

My problem is I manage to keep a handle on this stuff for a while, but then I get a bit lax and the fine details escape me once more!