Mercedes set to buy into Brawn GP

[MikaPup]

Here's an interview with Haug and Whitmarsh that sheds some light on the affair:

NH: Essentially, we're in a contractual position where we need to have McLaren's approval to supply engines in F1. So, if we want to advertise our brand in the pinnacle of motor-racing, we now have two choices: we can continue with McLaren, who will take our money and use it against us in the markeplace and eventually on track as well; or we can pay them a shitload of money to get out of the contract, which they will also use against us in the marketplace on track, while also giving a shitload of money to Brawn, who at best will probably be fourth in the championship from now on.

Essentially what we have is our balls in a vice.

MW: Yes, a big vice.

NH: It hurts. Our only consolation is that we've found a use for our KERS unit.

MW: Now go write a nice press release, or Heikki will hook up the electrodes again.

NH: *wimper*

[DanyalDenyo]

Mercedes was a bit fool in how they managed their relationship with Ron (a person who in any court of law would be described of less than honourable), they gave him a lot in return for not very much, but they have realised it now and it doesn't really look that they are going to give in so easily this time

I wonder if Merc thinks Ross is any better than him.

[Lawrence]

Mercedes was a bit fool in how they managed their relationship with Ron (a person who in any court of law would be described of less than honourable), they gave him a lot in return for not very much, but they have realised it now and it doesn't really look that they are going to give in so easily this time

I wonder if Merc thinks Ross is any better than him.

I think we should put together a list of team owners that are as pure as driven snow. Any nominations?

[Paolo 2]

Mercedes was a bit fool in how they managed their relationship with Ron (a person who in any court of law would be described of less than honourable), they gave him a lot in return for not very much, but they have realised it now and it doesn't really look that they are going to give in so easily this time

I wonder if Merc thinks Ross is any better than him.

I think that before answeing your question we should decide what "better" means...

Is Ross better at cheating? probably yes, given his track record.

Is Ross better at getting away with it? Certainly, he has never had to admit to any wrongdoing, as far as I'm aware.

Is Ross better than Ronco as a manager? Possibly.

Is Ross a better person than Ronco? I personally think that it's a very tough competition

[DanyalDenyo]

I think that before answeing your question we should decide what "better" means...

Is Ross better at cheating? probably yes, given his track record.

Is Ross better at getting away with it? Certainly, he has never had to admit to any wrongdoing, as far as I'm aware.

Is Ross better than Ronco as a manager? Possibly.

Is Ross a better person than Ronco? I personally think that it's a very tough competition

All true... What was I thinking

Oh and he's also much better at lying

[MikaPup]

Oh and he's also much better at lying

True.

[Lawrence]

I gather Brawn has pretty much confirmed it. So....three manufacturers gone, one new manufacter team arises from the ashes. Wonder where McLaren will be in five years?

[Paolo 2]

I gather Brawn has pretty much confirmed it. So....three manufacturers gone, one new manufacter team arises from the ashes. Wonder where McLaren will be in five years?

interesting question, given the current economic climate I would not invest my own hard earned money in McLaren, but maybe I'm a bit negative as I wouldn't even bet that in 5 years time we will have F1 as we know it now. I think that Ron is taking a huge gamble, and I'm not 100% sure that this new McLaren-Ferrari-style is what he had in minds when he took on the boys from Moeringen (and lost...)

[Crossa]

How's about this little snippet from AMuS:

Ron Dennis to replace Martin Whitmarsh, for agreeing to let Brawn use the merc engines, and souring the relationship between Merc and McLaren as a result.

And here we were thinking it was actually Ron's toy cars that caused the problems

[MikaPup]

Ron.

I certainly hope its not true. I like Ron, but let's face it - Macca are better off on track without him.

[Dev]

They didnt do too badly without Ron to be fair. But its nice to have him back, maybe as a public spokesman for McLaren, dealing with press etc. Let Whitmarsh run the team proper.

[MikaPup]

He was great with the team. But how many points/wins/titles did his constant battles with the Todt & Max show cost the team.

[Dev]

He was great with the team. But how many points/wins/titles did his constant battles with the Todt & Max show cost the team.

Yeah, but Spanky and Toady are not in F1 anymore.

[Paul]

Think again

[Mafia]

Yeah, but Spanky and Toady are not in F1 anymore.

Jean Todt, President FIA = In, Out, through, all over F1