[BTCC] 2009 Rumours & 'Stories'

[snowen250]

So er Andy, you had anything to do with the livery? i heard that the AA are the main sponsor this true?
And you doing the BTCC grid graphics again?
simon

[andy_b]

like I'm going to say who is the sponsor! ha ha ha.

Yes, did the livery, yes I'll be doing the Spotters Guide

[kristof14]

Originally Posted by Alfa Fan

There absolutely 100% new builts. Nothing to do with any of the Focus' that have appeared in the ETCC/WTCC before.

I'm aware of that and despite a facelift the overall shape of the car is still the same, I can't see the Arena cars being drastically different from the previous WTCC cars in terms of how they look.

[Alfa Fan]

No - but what i was meaning is don't use the old WTCC ones as any sort of judge of performance for the Arena ones

[Icebaby]

Originally Posted by touringlegend

Nice article on Arena in Autosport this week too.

Interesting to know that Arena were talking to Ford about a works deal, but they decided not to in October/November and that Honda were wanting Chilton in a Dynamics works team.

Can't see why Chilton would be linked to any "works" deal judged on his performances after 05.

I have a theroy with Thompson in that he has now tested for 3 teams who will need cash from him for the drive therefore could it be possible that Thompson has secured a personal sponser to pay for the drive and Thompson is evaluating which team he wants to spend his money with?

[El_Gibleto]

More likely, is the teams are paying Thompson for his feedback and guidance on settings.

Using a driver of known quality to give the team a reliable 'baseline' setup is a good investment of time and money, especially as if they run, the teams will almost certainly be using 'pay drivers' of much lesser ability.

[helterskelter]

Originally Posted by El_Gibleto

More likely, is the teams are paying Thompson for his feedback and guidance on settings.

Using a driver of known quality to give the team a reliable 'baseline' setup is a good investment of time and money, especially as if they run, the teams will almost certainly be using 'pay drivers' of much lesser ability.

Absolutely true. Also, he's a top driver and certainly not lacking offers in Btcc, Stcc, Gt and whatever has four wheels and a roof on the head of the driver

[Spanner monkey]

where has Chilton's money come from

Read these storys & come to your own conclusion ;-)

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7a8d5b96-7...nclick_check=1

or

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...&new=&x=34&y=4

[Jimmy Magnusson]

Originally Posted by Icebaby

Can't see why Chilton would be linked to any "works" deal judged on his performances after 05.

Because he brings a stack of dosh with him. Do you realize how much he contributed to Honda Racing's budget last time out?

[snowen250]

andy_blike I'm going to say who is the sponsor! ha ha ha.

Awww well worth a try lol! Not even a clue to the colour? :P

Simon

[Icebaby]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Magnusson

Because he brings a stack of dosh with him. Do you realize how much he contributed to Honda Racing's budget last time out?

Yep I know he's in BTCC because he brings a good budget but when you start talking "works" deal Chiltons not a name you would select if your paying drivers.

As for Thompson, is he being paid by the teams who have tested him then as i can't see him doing it for free including travelling costs.

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by Icebaby

Yep I know he's in BTCC because he brings a good budget but when you start talking "works" deal Chiltons not a name you would select if your paying drivers.

It's not always just about results, sometimes it's about being able to present the right image. Some drivers are quick but when it comes to giving an interview they can barely string two words together. Chilton is clearly happy dealing with the media and enjoys doing the PR thing. Look at his appearances on Top Gear for example or interviews during ITV's BTCC coverage. That 'spiky haired yoof' image is exactly the sort of thing that Honda want when doing marketing.

[helterskelter]

Originally Posted by Icebaby

As for Thompson, is he being paid by the teams who have tested him then as i can't see him doing it for free including travelling costs.

I don't think he's doing it for free, especially as they seem to have called him. He wouldn't mind staying at home for a year, he said, so it's up to the teams to attract him. I believe he's going to be on the grid in Btcc, though... Not a news, just a feeling I have

[Icebaby]

Originally Posted by redshoes

It's not always just about results, sometimes it's about being able to present the right image. Some drivers are quick but when it comes to giving an interview they can barely string two words together. Chilton is clearly happy dealing with the media and enjoys doing the PR thing. Look at his appearances on Top Gear for example or interviews during ITV's BTCC coverage. That 'spiky haired yoof' image is exactly the sort of thing that Honda want when doing marketing.

Id have to disagree with you on Chilton's ability in front of a camera, under Mike Earle he could well produce the same results and maturity in 04 but he has been down hill ever since.

[andy_b]

Originally Posted by snowen250

Awww well worth a try lol! Not even a clue to the colour? :P

Simon

yeah, lile i'm going to screw a client and past employer over. Other than saying I'm doing the livery and had a small hand in the kit, only things I've said are in the public domain.... and that ain't changing.

[touringlegend]

If the Focus is testing at Snetterton this week as claimed in a previous post I'm sure we'll all find out shortly!

[snowen250]

i was only kidding, i didnt really expect you to say! Sorry to be a pain.
And are they testing this week i wasnt aware the cars were built yet.
Any news on Doyle?
sorry again Andy
Simon

[kristof14]

Originally Posted by touringlegend

If the Focus is testing at Snetterton this week as claimed in a previous post I'm sure we'll all find out shortly!

Tom has confirmed he'll be testing the Focus this Wednesday and Friday!

[cos]

...and on public show at the Brands launch day on March 2nd

[Icebaby]

Arena will need to do alot more testing than two days before the season starts if they are going to be on the pace.

Any news on the second and third cars Arena said they would bring or was this wishful thinking?

[Craner Curves]

Early days yet, why are you being so critical?

[touringlegend]

I'd imagine this weeks Focus test will just be to run the car in and for Chilton to get used to it. I would be confident they will run more than 2 test days before Brands!

From the Autosport feature it sounded as if Arena are still deep in talks with a 2nd driver with a part season budget - and the worrying thing seems to be no one has been rumoured for this 2nd or 3rd seat yet?

[Ed Peters]

Originally Posted by Icebaby

Any news on the second and third cars Arena said they would bring or was this wishful thinking?

If they are still talking to a driver for the second car... can't see the third car being filled by the start of the season!

[GroupOfOne]

In the article it say's they're getting closer to a 2nd driver, while the 3rd car will be built for the start of the season.

The way it's worded is slightly confusing (to me at least!) as Mike Earle could be talking about either the 2nd driver, or any potential driver for the 3rd car having only the sponsors/budget for a handful of races.

I read it, initially at least, as that a 3rd driver may come along mid-season with the budget to do a couple of rounds, with further appearances then relying on how he does (e.g. he does well, sponsors chip in more), but going back and looking at it now it could mean that the 2nd driver starts the season, but with only the budget (at least initially) to do the opening couple of rounds.

[helterskelter]

Originally Posted by GroupOfOne

In the article it say's they're getting closer to a 2nd driver, while the 3rd car will be built for the start of the season.

The way it's worded is slightly confusing (to me at least!) as Mike Earle could be talking about either the 2nd driver, or any potential driver for the 3rd car having only the sponsors/budget for a handful of races.

I read it, initially at least, as that a 3rd driver may come along mid-season with the budget to do a couple of rounds, with further appearances then relying on how he does (e.g. he does well, sponsors chip in more), but going back and looking at it now it could mean that the 2nd driver starts the season, but with only the budget (at least initially) to do the opening couple of rounds.

Sounds at least a bit 'unsafe', doesn't it?