119 replies to this topic

[castle]

What is the story about ferrari running without sponsorship at this weekends grandprix? will it be tobbaco free or no advertising at all?

Despite the events in New York and Washington i look forward to seeing the all red ferraris.

[Smooth]

The Ferrari team have announced their decision to run their cars without any logos from their sponsors and suppliers as a mark of respect to the American people following Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

This way, the World Champions, racing at their home Grand Prix in Italy this weekend, contribute to several gestures of sympathy which will take place at the Monza circuit this weekend.

Earlier today, it was announced there will be no podium celebrations after the race, and also that all Formula One cars will stop running ten minutes before the normal schedule in the first Friday practice in order to comply with the planned three-minute silence throughout Europe.

It will be the first time since 1950 that the Italian team have run all-red cars without any sponsorship on the chassis.

Wow! Class.

[castle]

it such a shame that we are going to see such a gorgeous car on such a sad and sombre occasion. Do you think it will be scarlet red or marlboro red?

I cant wait to see those beautiful ferraris role out in front of the red sea of support.Atleast this is somthing the tifosi can cheer about.

[Chewbacca]

It is a nice gesture obviously...but why no sponsors?

I mean symbolically, what makes a car with no sponsors a gesture of mourning? Why not all drivers and crews and cars (?) have a black band or something?

[miniman]

I fail to see how running with or without sponsor logos is or is not a sign of solidarity with the NYC victims.

[FW11B]

Lucky the next race is the Italian isn't it:rolleyes:

You have to wonder what they would have done if it was somewhere else. I'm sorry but as far as I can see this just seems to be a publicity stunt.

[castle]

Perhaps an american flag on the side of the car, with somekind of sympathy message would be apropriate.

[Smooth]

Originally posted by FW11B
Lucky the next race is the Italian isn't it:rolleyes:

You have to wonder what they would have done if it was somewhere else. I'm sorry but as far as I can see this just seems to be a publicity stunt.

Along with Montezemelo asking the tifosi not to go ahead with their planned celebrations? Right, they planned all of this to get more publicity for themselves, while not getting any sponsorship money for their cars for the weekend. Good move, Ferrari.

It is a simple sign of respect. Why are some people so damn cynical?

[Ricardo F1]

FW11B - I'm with you here, and call us both cynical. The race should be run with the UTMOST of normality ; all of these changes and declarations are BAD not good. Yes, everyone should be wearing black armbands, yes there should be no podium celebration - it should be replaced by a minute of silence ; which there should also be on the grid before they fire up the cars.

Sorry Luca, this move is stupid.

Smooth - please explain how removing TicTac is a sign of respect???????????????

[F1Rulz]

Originally posted by castle
Perhaps an american flag on the side of the car, with somekind of sympathy message would be apropriate.

I was thinking the same thing. A flag over the area where the Marlboro logo would reside. Maybe for USGP...

[FW11B]

Originally posted by Ricardo F1
FW11B - I'm with you here, and call us both cynical. The race should be run with the UTMOST of normality ; all of these changes and declarations are BAD not good. Yes, everyone should be wearing black armbands, yes there should be no podium celebration - it should be replaced by a minute of silence ; which there should also be on the grid before they fire up the cars.

Sorry Luca, this move is stupid.

Smooth - please explain how removing TicTac is a sign of respect???????????????

Thanks Ricardo, I thought I was going to be vilified for that remark. I whole hartedly agree with your comments on the Podium - defiantely replace the celibrations with a minutes silence.

[Cociani]

Running without sponsor logos will cost a tremendous amount of money and is a sacrifice and therfore an act of respect. Personally I am getting sick of the way some people seam to judge the way others react to this tragedy.

[Toyoter]

I understand both opinions about Ferrari removing their livery, and I really don't think either one is wrong. I don't, however, believe that it is a "selfish" move by Ferrari. I think it is a wonderful gesture, like they're saying that they will race with the utmost normalcy, but they won't use the opportunity to advertise irrelevant products.

I don't know. Like I said, you can make a case either way, but I wouldn't call any take on this "stupid."

[MuMu]

Oh God, I can see it now - Ron, the uncaring greedy bastard ran his cars with livary while Ferrari CARED...
And the guys down the grid who depend on the TV money etc - should they be seen as uncaring evil bastards as well?
Everything should go on as normal, and respects paid in a genuine fashion, rather than some cheap publicity stunt.

[Smooth]

Originally posted by Ricardo F1
Smooth - please explain how removing TicTac is a sign of respect???????????????

Explain how it isn't? Get it through your thick skull: They are losing a tremendous amount of sponsor income to make a statement. They will, obviously, do more than that, but it was something they felt appropriate.

I will be waiting for your explanation of how this is a slap in the face to everyone by Ferrari.

[Viktor]

Originally posted by Toyoter
I understand both opinions about Ferrari removing their livery, and I really don't think either one is wrong. I don't, however, believe that it is a "selfish" move by Ferrari. I think it is a wonderful gesture, like they're saying that they will race with the utmost normalcy, but they won't use the opportunity to advertise irrelevant products.

I don't know. Like I said, you can make a case either way, but I wouldn't call any take on this "stupid."

/Viktor

[No27]

I'll sincerely will try not to judge this with disrespect.

[Smooth]

Originally posted by Ricardo F1
The race should be run with the UTMOST of normality all of these changes and declarations are BAD not good.

First you say that. Then you say:

Yes, everyone should be wearing black armbands, yes there should be no podium celebration - it should be replaced by a minute of silence ; which there should also be on the grid before they fire up the cars.

Which is it? Normalcy, or should there be individual gestures of respect? Who do you think you are that YOU can determine what is appropriate, instead of letting the individuals involved doing it?

[MPea3]

Originally posted by Toyoter
I understand both opinions about Ferrari removing their livery, and I really don't think either one is wrong. I don't, however, believe that it is a "selfish" move by Ferrari. I think it is a wonderful gesture, like they're saying that they will race with the utmost normalcy, but they won't use the opportunity to advertise irrelevant products.

I don't know. Like I said, you can make a case either way, but I wouldn't call any take on this "stupid."

agreed. if they are clear that their actions are intended to show respect, i can't see any reason to pick apart what they're doing

[MortenF1]

The race should be as normal, but with black armbands, silence on the grid and on the podium ADDED as a way of showing respect.

[cosmoK]

Surely it is up to everyone to decide in what way they want to show their support & respect? Ferrari feels this is appropriate for them, thus they're doing it, never mind the loss of sponsor money. If the other teams choose to run with advertising, it doesn't mean they don't care. I'm sure they have their own ways of showing respect & support.

They played the Star-Spangled Banner during the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace today. Is that a cheap publicity stunt too?

[MuMu]

There's a big difference - Ferrari can easily afford to stand out in the crowd (which they will) with their no-livery car, and will be picked out as the ones who made an effort. The others who cannot afford it will be seen as the bad guys.
If they'd raised the American flag, or played it on the podium, yes, that would be an expression of solidarity and compassion, rather than the kind of expression of grief that only some can afford.

[Shiftin]

A similar print on all rear wings would also be a great statement. I think the entire field should do something together. Not only Ferrari.

[LB]

Who said they will lose sponser money? that is just an assumption.

Anyway it is a bit of a stunt, but so what. If it is there way of showing some solidarity then so be it. Although I beleive that things added in is always better than things taken out.

I look forward to seeing them in red again. ( Still hope No 1 retires though )

[cosmoK]

Precisely, they are doing it because they can afford it. We all give in our own way, what we can give. I don't think anyone with any sense will consider those who choose to run with advertising 'the bad guys'. It will be sad if they do, just like it is sad some consider what Ferrari is doing a cheap publicity stunt.

Hopefully the sponsers will go one step further & send the money they save from this race to the families of the victims.

[MuMu]

Point taken.

[Louis Mr. F1]

what i don't understand is why people like to criticize on everything? if they didn't do anything, people criticize they don't care, cold hearted. Now they tried to show some respect, and people still criticized them. As someone said, everyone has their own way/right to show their respect, just take it as it is.
I'm no Ferrari fan, but i'll give the red team a

no podium celebration? ok, in addition, what about no matter who won, use the USA's national anthem.

[AcidIce]

The whole Italian GP should make some general statement, playing the american anthem on the podium, wearing black armbands, painting an american flag on the car, these sort of things...

[KinetiK]

I'm kind of undecided as to the effect this will have. I know what Smooth is saying but I can't fully support that because I don't think it will work. It's a kind gesture, regardless of the actual effects.

[EVL29]

Why do some of you assume that Ferrari will be forgoing sponsor money by removing the livery?
Sponsor contracts would most likely garauntee a certain amount of money for logos on the car.If Ferrari were to just decide Not to place the logos on the car(for whatever reason),they would probably be in Breach of Contract(which,IN THEORY,could result in a lawsuit).
My guess is that Ferrari probably suggested this to their sponsors(or maybe one of them suggested it to Ferrari)and everyone gave the to the idea.Afterall,such a gesture would create a lot of goodwill.I doubt,however,that the Scuderia is giving up any dough for this.

[Smooth]

It a statement at Monza the team said: "Ferrari has taken the decision to show that it shares a sense of grief with the American people, with whom it has always felt close ties.

"Therefore this weekend, the Italian Grand Prix, with the full agreement of its sponsors and suppliers, as a mark of respect it’s cars will carry no logos relating to its commercial and technical partners.

"For Ferrari and its partners, Sunday’s race will be purely a sporting event with no commercial implications, nor will it be a joyful event."

[coyoteBR]

I think most teams will show their feelings and respects one way or another. Ferrari's choice is just bolder, I guess.

Question: That gesture includes helmets, overalls and pit crew uniforms? I mean, probably there's time to find RB and Schumy plain overals, and won't be hard to clean all the decals of the helmets, but the pit crew is a much bigger job. Any info?

[FW11B]

The Very fact of there absence will just draw attention to them, everyone knows what 'should' be there and this will be the talking point. The airtime given will be unprecidented.

Any mark of respect should be a universal one.

[Psychoman]

I think they should simply tone down the podium celebrations--no champagne-spraying, not too much jumping around, and it'd be nice if the American anthem was played with the driver/constructor anthems.

[Ricardo F1]

Smooth - I am not contradicting myself. Running the GP with a level of normalcy is a sign that terrorism will not change our way of life. Being respectful on the grid and during the podium is a sign of respect to those who perished.

Either way if this was to go ahead here's how it should have been handled properly :

The Formula One Constructors should have made an announcement that they ALL will be doing this. In conjunction with this the sponsorship money normally provided would be donated to the causes in New York.

Ferrari acting as a loan wolf is not a sign of world solidarity that we need right now. Sorry, but I don't agree with Luca's handling of the situtuation at all.

[Smooth]

Originally posted by FW11B
Any mark of respect should be a universal one.

Why? I think it is deeply personal, and Luca Demontezemelo has close ties to many in the US, and NYC specifically. He is moved to the point of requesting that 200,000 Italians NOT celebrate. He is doing what he feels appropriate in showing respect. More airtime is not something Ferrari would care about in Italy anyway. And without sponsors, why would it matter? to sell more Ferrari road cars? Oh, wait, there is already a waitng list for anything they build.

I call bullshit on this universal approach, and I hope every team doesn what they feel is appropriate, including doing nothing if that is how they feel.

[Peeko]

I know what Smooth is saying but I can't fully support that because I don't think it will work.

Sorry, but I don't agree with Luca's handling of the situtuation at all.

Smooth is American. He appreciates the gesture. Obvioulsy, it worked for one. Anyone not directly affected by the events should keep their mouths shut concerning the gesture, since it doesn't involve you.

[Ricardo F1]

But Smooth / Peeko this is a WORLD event and WORLD disaster. The WORLD needs to be seen to be united against it.

Everyone in the frigging World was affected by Tuesdays events.

[desmo]

Any sincere gesture of respect, solidarity or condolence should be welcomed by all. I find the criticisms of Ferrari uncouth.

[Smooth]

Originally posted by Ricardo F1
Either way if this was to go ahead here's how it should have been handled properly.

Why? Why are so myopic in your view that the Formula-1 grid, made up of so many teams, should do EVERYTHING in unison? Every team is free to make whatever desicion they like. Your jumping with cynicism on Ferrari is right in character though.

I find it laughable that you are so thick that you think YOURS is the only valid and appropriate way of showing respect.

[Peeko]

Everyone in the frigging World was affected by Tuesdays events.

How close did you come to losing your life, or the life of someone you love? That is being directly affected. I feel for it as well, but I wouldn't dare suggest I'm going through the same thing those in and around NY are.

[FW11B]

Originally posted by Smooth

More airtime is not something Ferrari would care about in Italy anyway.

Sorry, forgot that this GP was ONLY shown in Italy.
So why participate ?

[B}And without sponsors, why would it matter?[/B]

Any advertising is good advertising, Making your cars different just draws attention to the fact.

[Ricardo F1]

That was my PERSONAL opinion on how things should be handled, if it were up to me. I believe I am allowed to harbor such thoughts.

Of course every team is allowed to make up there own mind, I just PERSONALLY think a solidarity against this affront on the WORLD should be shown or at least should have been discussed.

Peeko - not a friend but several of a close friend, some of whom I met were in that tower.

[KinetiK]

Originally posted by Peeko




Smooth is American. He appreciates the gesture. Obvioulsy, it worked for one. Anyone not directly affected by the events should keep their mouths shut concerning the gesture, since it doesn't involve you.

I have deleted this insensitive post. My temper got the best of me and yes, Peeko, we are on the same side.

Please accept my apologies.

[EVL29]

RicardoF1 wrote...

"In conjunction with this the sponsorship money normally provided would be donated to the causes in New York."

My response...

The money the team gets in sponsorship is used to fund the team,no?
What makes you think it just sits around waiting to be spent?
Those sponsorship monies were probably allocated months ago to continue the development on the cars,pay crew salaries,buy materials like cabon fiber and continually upgrade facilities.

Now,if you want to talk about donating(a portion of) the profits from the weekend's sale of Ferrari merchandise(hats,shirts etc.),well that's a Different matter.

[FW11B]

Originally posted by EVL29

Now,if you want to talk about donating(a portion of) the profits from the weekend's sale of Ferrari merchandise(hats,shirts etc.),well that's a Different matter.

Another good Idea

[mhferrari]

Ferrari does have class.

Why isn't the bloody other teams do it, especially bloody Jaguar!
Why does companies think paper is thicker than blood?!?

[FW11B]

Could I just Take this opportunity to explain my views on this subject

The last thing I really intended was to cause offence, I appologise if any has been caused.

However, I do feel that ANY unilateral show of respect will be pounced on from one set of fans or another. Yes I admit that I am one of these and could have acted in haste, but we all have our feelings and they may be a bit closer to the surface at this time.

Worse case scenario - teams trying to 'outdo' each other with their 'show' will turn this meeting into a travesty.

Once again please accept my appologies if any of my comments have cause offence none was intended.

[Ricardo F1]

FW11B - my sentiments exactly

[Rene]

Originally posted by desmo
Any sincere gesture of respect, solidarity or condolence should be welcomed by all. I find the criticisms of Ferrari uncouth.

I could not have said it better myself!!!

I think other teams on the grid will also be showing respect in their own way through the weekend....