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Caterham CT05 at last year's winter test at Jerez.
(Image source: f1fanatic.co.uk)
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Although I suppose it shouldn't come as a
surprise, it appears that the green cars of Caterham slogging round the tail
end of Grand Prix's is a fleeting memory at best, as the Leefield based F1
Constructor is set to become no more with the announcement of the remaining
squad's assets to go on the auction block shortly.
Meanwhile there seems to be conflicting
reports over rival minnow back-marker Marussia's existence upon the 2015
Formula 1 grid, with reports first extolling Marussia's planned exit us from
bankruptcy via formalizing Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) proceedings set to
commence on Feb 19th.
Yet, understandably, although somewhat petty,
rival Force India, eternally in financial turmoil itself, quickly put the
Kybosh on Marussia's return by voting Nyet! On plans to allow the team to run
its 2014 MR03 chassis under special dispensation, which the stupendous Working
Group had previously granted to both Marussia and Caterham.
Force India's dissent, along with the other
two struggling back-markers Lotus and Sauber naturally extends to the fact that
Marussia stands to collect the $50m for finishing ninth in last year's
Constructor standings, albeit debts of $16m alone are outstanding to Ferrari
for supply of its PU (Power Unit) and ancillaries...
Although I haven't been able to ascertain
when the Technical Regulations were changed in regards of not being allowed to
campaign year old chassis, I simply don't understand why this dismal attitude
prevails?
recall that the mighty Prancing Horse, aka Scuderia Ferrari
ran its blistering quick 2002 chassis for the first four races of the '03
season before introducing that year's successor, the F2003GA.
While how can we forget "Super Best
Friends" miraculous beginnings? When the hastily convened Honda 'B-team
under Aguri Suzuki's leadership cobbled together its SA05 from the four year
old dormant Arrows A23 chassis that had been on Show-car duty!
Yet in the face of Marussia's impending
demise, which would be revived as Manor Grand Prix, CEO Graham Logan says that
the team is still plowing ahead and that the 2014 chassis can indeed be
modified to meet the minimum 2015 standards required while meeting all safety
requirements, although the largest hurdle is
the team's apparent lack of a power unit and drivetrain, as I've read
some wild ARSE speculation that MAGS JR' (Kevin Magnussen) could be farmed out
to run essentially a Honda 'B-team, which would be beneficial for the Japanese
manufacturer data-wise, but I'm pretty sure Hondre's firm on only supplying
McLaren in 2015, albeit this would be a logical next step for 2016, just sayin',
whilst keep in mind, F1 Constructors are allowed to miss up to three Grand
Prix's per season, so the door's still open for Manor, provided it can field
"2015-spec" chassis by the Bahrain Grand Prix in April, the fourth
race of the year.
Ultimately, the rival Formula 1 teams need to
quit their futile squabbling and ensure more Constructors on the F1 grid from
2015 and beyond! Although those aspiring or established and reorganizing
participants need to be properly funded while ultimately Uncle Bernaughty, CVC
and The Strategy Group need to reduce
costs overall and ensure stability for the sport to prosper...
