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Alan Raine · 23 Aug 2006, 14:05 (Ref:1689593)

David Richards seems to want to buy complete cars instead of just engines when Prodrive enters F1 and he has approached all the major manufacturers.

Although this might be a cheaper option can they still be competitive. The big teams are hadly going to sell him up to the minute technology and he will always be one step behind.

Smurfer · 23 Aug 2006, 14:59 (Ref:1689629)

Good question.

I would think this would extend to manufacturers supplying engines as well.

**Bononi** · 23 Aug 2006, 15:04 (Ref:1689632)

If he plans do it this way, I guess he'll be fighting for the last positions of the grid...

ss_collins · 23 Aug 2006, 15:28 (Ref:1689647)

Makes sense - look what Aguri can do with a pile of old Arrows A23's - so think what a 1 or 2 year old Renault could do.

DR is being very sensible

Rex Judicata · 23 Aug 2006, 18:53 (Ref:1689838)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Raine

David Richards seems to want to buy complete cars instead of just engines when Prodrive enters F1 and he has approached all the major manufacturers. Although this might be a cheaper option can they still be competitive. The big teams are hadly going to sell him up to the minute technology and he will always be one step behind.

What are his objectives in entering F1?

Alan Raine · 23 Aug 2006, 18:59 (Ref:1689844)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex Judicata

What are his objectives in entering F1?

To win or to make money?

The Prodrive set up is pretty spectacular so perhaps they will be able to develop existing equipment more than some of the other smaller teams.

**Bononi** · 23 Aug 2006, 19:11 (Ref:1689854)

I see it as a first step in a plan of winning in F1.

jhansen · 23 Aug 2006, 19:41 (Ref:1689870)

Moto GP customer teams have been pretty sucessful. Satelite Honda teams have even won races and contended in championships.

It could work in Formula 1. Although, race wins would be tougher, a customer team could still be a points scorer.

duke_toaster · 23 Aug 2006, 20:10 (Ref:1689896)

Prodrive definately have the facilites do develop their own car (the fulcrum).

I think that whole hog customer cars should be allowed. This would cut costs and make for bigger grids.

Rex Judicata · 23 Aug 2006, 20:16 (Ref:1689905)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Raine

To win or to make money?

The Prodrive set up is pretty spectacular so perhaps they will be able to develop existing equipment more than some of the other smaller teams.

David Richards is no dummy, so I wonder, what are his objectives? If such a document existed, I would love to read his business plan for F1.

Alan Raine · 23 Aug 2006, 20:35 (Ref:1689925)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex Judicata

David Richards is no dummy, so I wonder, what are his objectives? If such a document existed, I would love to read his business plan for F1.

Wouldn't we all!

Rex Judicata · 23 Aug 2006, 20:38 (Ref:1689927)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Raine

Wouldn't we all!

Which makes me think of a similar document for McLaren!

**Bononi** · 23 Aug 2006, 20:45 (Ref:1689936)

It must be somewhere in the internet... you can find everything in internet.

BootsOntheSide · 24 Aug 2006, 12:38 (Ref:1690272)

I'd be fine with seeing completely customer cars again - it would be a much cheaper way for teams to get started in F1, and immediately adds more potentially-competitive cars to the field. Dave Richards has proved in other championship that he knows how to run a strong team.

Alan Raine · 24 Aug 2006, 13:43 (Ref:1690321)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BootsOntheSide

I'd be fine with seeing completely customer cars again - it would be a much cheaper way for teams to get started in F1, and immediately adds more potentially-competitive cars to the field. Dave Richards has proved in other championship that he knows how to run a strong team.

I'm in favour of it as it allows new teams to come in without the massive expense. Will they increase the grid size to allow more teams in? I'd much rather see 24 or even up to 30 cars start at some circuits to create a bit more interest at the back, but I can't see Bernie allowing that!

Dave Richards is a very shrewd operator. Having seen what happened to Tom Walkinshaw, I can see why he might want to go this route. Perhaps it's not a bad idea to run customer cars, until the team is established, but to win or win consistently they may to build and develop their own.