Donington this weekend - Is it on? - It is NOW! - And there's more! - Page 9

Dave 455 · 9 Apr 2009, 16:58 (Ref:2437559)

The FPA blast in the park meeting has been cancelled now and jonathon Palmer is quoted as saying the circuit have been very uncopartive with him and would not answer his calls!

Expect announcements on F3 and BTCC websites soon.

I had tickets bought and paid for too!

**Peter Mallett** · 9 Apr 2009, 17:05 (Ref:2437565)

Yep,

All about money, and yep, Bernie is upset big time.

Taking the first element, Donington, or at least the current managers, have a major problem, that frankly I can't see being resolved in any way other than the courts. If they lose the GP it'll be a breach of "what we understand" to be the contract with Bernie. Also they will definitlely attract the ire of the general motor racing populace, who have either had their weekends buggered on the premise of the GP, or the fact that said GP has left these shores.

Then there's the BRDC, who in many cases deserve all they get, yet when it comes down to it, really do a lot for motor sport in the UK and maybe do command a little more respect than they get. And let's be fair here, you don't have to be a boss to be an ********, but it helps.

Silverstone, for all of its faults (perceived or actual) does provide a magnificent arena for motor sport. Try walking to a few different corners in Bahrain, or Abu Dhabi, Lossail or anywhere else outside of Europe? You can't, you are stuck in a grandstand on the main straight.

So, I really sincerely hope I'm wrong, its just that I'm paid to understand the dynamics of a construction contract and from the limited knowledge I have of this one, it isn't looking good.

Incidentally, the tunnel sections are pre-cast concrete so they took about three months (minimum) to design, manufacture and install.

Andrew Kitson · 9 Apr 2009, 17:08 (Ref:2437567)

http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/ne...sp?NewsID=4589

compte deGraves · 9 Apr 2009, 17:13 (Ref:2437571)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Ooh, er, um, well the Abu Dhabi circuit may be ready by then.

It is my personal opinion that you are spot on the button with this response, Peter.

terence · 9 Apr 2009, 19:02 (Ref:2437638)

Quote:

Originally Posted by john ruston

Just caught this lot

Bernie was stopped becomming a BRDC member in about 59 when he was driving.

Seems Lotus event at Donnington is off

Bernie offered to lend BRDC money when they had their trousers taken down by Walkinshaw and his offer was refused

Question mark over most things to do with Donnington.

It's all about cash

You dont think he was trying to buy his way in do you.

Thanks John.

terence · 9 Apr 2009, 19:07 (Ref:2437643)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Kitson

http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/ne...sp?NewsID=4589

It'll end in tears

**Peter Mallett** · 9 Apr 2009, 19:18 (Ref:2437655)

We have got way beyond the bounds of the Historic forum, but I noted that the Masters Festival is running in support of Help for Heroes, so it won't be just us petrol heads that lose out.

Dave 455 · 9 Apr 2009, 19:36 (Ref:2437672)

F3/GT meeting now cancelled. Looking to run at Rockigham same weekend
BTCC likely to run at Silverstone now.

So yes, Masters Series looks very unlikely too now!

Piglet · 9 Apr 2009, 20:25 (Ref:2437710)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

So, I really sincerely hope I'm wrong, its just that I'm paid to understand the dynamics of a construction contract and from the limited knowledge I have of this one, it isn't looking good.

I agree Peter, I can see the litigation running on this one and becoming another "Multiplex".

The STIG · 9 Apr 2009, 20:56 (Ref:2437729)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piglet

I agree Peter, I can see the litigation running on this one and becoming another "Multiplex".

Multiplex? You're not talking about Cinemas are you?

No, seriously... Multiplex?

Bryan Degerlund · 9 Apr 2009, 22:30 (Ref:2437765)

No Stig.....I think Piglet is talking about the new Wembley Stadium issues!

The STIG · 9 Apr 2009, 22:36 (Ref:2437770)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan Degerlund

No Stig.....I think Piglet is talking about the new Wembley Stadium issues!

as in : It wasn't finished on Time?

MGDavid · 9 Apr 2009, 23:55 (Ref:2437800)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Yep,

........ and yep, Bernie is upset big time.............

O I do so hope you are right :-)

Piglet · 10 Apr 2009, 06:49 (Ref:2437868)

[QUOTE=The STIG;2437770]as in : It wasn't finished on Time?[/QUOTE

As in wasn't finished on time and generated vast amounts of litigation where the parties bickered about whether it was because of poor instructions, poor design, poor implementation or what.

This has all the hallmarks of the same thing and will run and run I'd imagine!

**Peter Mallett** · 10 Apr 2009, 07:03 (Ref:2437873)

Basic principles of a contract. I give you the contractor money, you give me my building, pipeline etc.

What then happens is that the client starts dicking around and doesn't like to pay for any chnages, this then leads to the contractor facing uncertainty and the schedule goes out the window. You then in English Law move towards an at large situation and all bets are effectively off. I suspect, although I don't know, that this is what happened with Wembley.

The difference here (if I understand it correctly) is that the builder is also a group company of the client.

Piglet · 10 Apr 2009, 07:06 (Ref:2437875)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

The difference here (if I understand it correctly) is that the builder is also a group company of the client.

Yes, I read that too. I guess what will be relevant is how stand alone the builder is and whether they are all insured as one group or insured separately?

Someone said earlier that the original plans showed a bridge at this point, does anyone know if this is true? If so I wonder who made the decision to alter the design?

terence · 10 Apr 2009, 08:18 (Ref:2437901)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave 455

F3/GT meeting now cancelled. Looking to run at Rockigham same weekend
BTCC likely to run at Silverstone now.

So yes, Masters Series looks very unlikely too now!

Why?

compte deGraves · 10 Apr 2009, 08:29 (Ref:2437908)

I was told (and I suspect that Peter will know if this is correct) that Canary Wharf had to lend Mulitplex specialist steel erectors to help with putting up the Wembley arch, because the company that had been awarded the contract did not have sufficient expertise.

If that is correct it rather begs the questions:

1. Has the present owner of Donington ever owned or run a motor racing circuit before?

2. Have the contractors ever undertaken the total refurbishment of a motor racing circuit before?

3. Have the contractors a track record of undertaking major construction projects that have been delivered on time?

If the answer to any of these questions is "no" it does make you wonder why Bernie agreed to move the British GP for 2010.

Dave Brand · 10 Apr 2009, 08:30 (Ref:2437909)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piglet

Someone said earlier that the original plans showed a bridge at this point, does anyone know if this is true? If so I wonder who made the decision to alter the design?

As I understand it, the tunnel is a temporary structure to allow access for constructors' plant; I'm not a civil engineer (engineer, yes; civil, not in any sense of the word!) but I'd guess that it's quicker & cheaper to build a makeshift tunnel than it is to build a bridge.

ascarracinguk · 10 Apr 2009, 08:35 (Ref:2437913)

lol...as a civil engineer.....yes its a lot cheeper to build a makeshift tunnel, and a lot easier to get rid of it afterwards...HOWEVER!....its only cheeper if you do it the correct way the first time...its now gona cost a lot more to get it sorted!...its not as easy as just adding a bit on the end....

**Peter Mallett** · 10 Apr 2009, 08:56 (Ref:2437924)

Would you build a makeshift tunnel out of pre cast concrete tunnel sections? Surely it would be quicker and easier to use steel? Something like the ARMCO sectional tunnels.

Andrew Kitson · 10 Apr 2009, 09:04 (Ref:2437928)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Brand

As I understand it, the tunnel is a temporary structure to allow access for constructors' plant; I'm not a civil engineer (engineer, yes; civil, not in any sense of the word!) but I'd guess that it's quicker & cheaper to build a makeshift tunnel than it is to build a bridge.

I can't believe they would think about putting a temporary tunnel in. The plans show a road to the new F1 paddock using that tunnel, which obviously the transporters, service trucks etc etc would use at the GP.

However, I still (like many) have huge doubts it will ever happen, indeed perhaps Bernie is the smart one here, using Donington and it's unrealistic plans as the fall guy, so he is not the one to get the media flak when the BGP is lost. Or..to finally force and reach a deal with Silverstone to get what he has always wanted.

ascarracinguk · 10 Apr 2009, 09:35 (Ref:2437938)

to be honest it didnt make sense to me to put a temporary tunnel in, from a financial view point it would have been more cost effective in teh long run to put the permanent one in and mak it large enough to put contruction equiptment through it.

SZRacer · 10 Apr 2009, 09:45 (Ref:2437946)

Interestingly, despite MSVR announcing that their Donington event is cancelled, Donington is still selling tickets for it online, which is at best incompetent, and at worst downright criminal...

James

Quote:

Originally Posted by terence bower

It'll end in tears

stroller · 10 Apr 2009, 10:59 (Ref:2437988)

Did any of the guys who raced there last weekend notice anything unusual about the track surface over the tunnel ? (apart from it being new)

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