F1

One thing is certain, these new proposals will certainly generate a lot of talk about how F1 is becoming yet another spec or cookie cutter series ala NASCAR. I don't think you would see a great deal of increase in spending on R & D.

For one thing, and I agree and applaud them for actually thinking more than one race season in advance, when that tobacco money goes away in a couple of years ALL of the teams will have to tighten their belts. Right now there are what, 5 teams who have tobacco as their main sponsors. That is a lot of money. Without it I think you will see the smaller teams really suffer as their sponsors fill the void with teams like Ferrari, McLaren, BAR and Renault because of the potential for greater exposure. That puts the guys currently at the back of the grid in a position of having to find new sponsors. And if reports are correct, new sponsors aren't exactly lining up to get in.

The Bernie even called Stoddardt a beggar for the way he courted potential sponsors in the paddock last season. Ferrari can probably keep their advantage because of their personnel and because they are so far ahead of everyone. But for how long? When the Marlboro money is gone how will a car company that sells what, 3000 cars a year be able to afford the testing they do now? If I was them, and I am sure this has already been considered, I wouldn't count on FIAT making up the difference. I just think there is going to be less money to go around in the very near future.

Bottom line, IMO, is that the teams, and especially engine manufacturers, know new rules are coming. They have a couple of years before new engine rules take effect, so they have a couple of years where I think you will see some MAJOR investment into R & D, but after a couple of years it will drop dramatically. Will it turn into just another spec series? I certainly hope not. I have nothing against the notion of throwing everyone into equal cars and letting the drivers hash out who is best, but we already have enough of that and F1 is supposed to be about drivers AND cars. Or so I had been told!