56 replies to this topic

[HP]

However, as the order to continue on regardless came down from above, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has warned that any boycott of the upcoming race at Indianapolis, will not be tolerated, not even from Schumacher, hinting that the four time world champion could be stripped of his points if he failed to attend.

"Let's get one thing straight. Michael Schumacher is not the 2001 world champion yet, anything could happen," Ecclestone was quoted as saying. “Maybe he could lose his points over one of the next three races. I'm sure that won't be the case, but it could be."

Now Bernie goes a bit tooo far IMO....

And anyway does the reglement allow Bernie to do this if a driver boycotts a race

[schumigal]

I think Bernie is off the line. It is up to individual racers to decide whether they want to take that risk or not. You cannot force people to do something they don't want to do. That is what FREEDOM is all about!

IF Michael strongly oppose to participating in US GP and Bernie got his own way, and on the way to USA, Michael's plan got hijacked and something happened as a result of that, who is going to be responsible? Bernie? I doubt he can take the responsiblity of other people's lives. I know this is taking to the extreme but terrorism or plane hijacking is unpredictable. It is up to individual to decide for themselves especially concerning their own security. And in the case of Michael, he has his kids and wife to consider too.

I rather Michael lose a WDC than to sucuumb to Bernie!

Bernie

[karlth]

I think that Bernie is reminding Schumacher that the sport is bigger than the individual driver as has been proven many times.

[HP]

Originally posted by schumigal
I think Bernie is off the line. It is up to individual racers to decide whether they want to take that risk or not. You cannot force people to do something they don't want to do. That is what FREEDOM is all about!

IF Michael strongly oppose to participating in US GP and Bernie got his own way, and on the way to USA, Michael's plan got hijacked and something happened as a result of that, who is going to be responsible? Bernie? I doubt he can take the responsiblity of other people's lives. I now this is taking to the extreme but terrorism or plane hijacking is unpredictable. It is up to individual to decide for themselves especially concerning their own security. And in the case of Michael, he has his kids and wife to consider too.

I rather Michael lose a WDC than to sucuumb to Bernie!

Bernie

Agree, and did you notice the calculated statement? He didn't said Michael could loose his points because of the boycott, but maybe in of the next three races. Bernie in other words suggest F1 is fixed!!

[AcidIce]

Radical??? He's gone ballistic my friend!!!
Bernie, c'mon, what have you had for breakfast?

This is all BS!!! What if Michael says he's ill, that he's got the flu or whatever? Or even easier, a small intoxication.. he could even do it on purpose! What would do Bernie then???

This isn't making any sense!

[schumigal]

Originally posted by HP

Agree, and did you notice the calculated statement? He didn't said Michael could loose his points because of the boycott, but maybe in of the next three races. Bernie in other words suggest F1 is fixed!!

If in terms of points, i dun think MS can lose the WDC since he's like 40 points ahead of DC. Unless Bernie is planning to disqualify him? If he does that, i think alternative f1 is definitely in!

[HP]

Originally posted by AcidIce
Radical??? He's gone ballistic my friend!!!
Bernie, c'mon, what have you had for breakfast?

Probably nothing and he might be afraid that he cannot pay his breakfast if he doesn't get the money from the USGP

[raceday]

I think that Bernie is reminding Schumacher that the sport is bigger than the individual driver as has been proven many times.

Then surely the sport could manage without MS in the US (if MS so wishes)

BE

[schumigal]

I disagree. Life is more precious than sports!!

How can anyone think sports is more important than life, i dun get it!!

[Flying Panda]

Originally posted by HP
And anyway does the reglement allow Bernie to do this if a driver boycotts a race

Bernie has the ability to do whateverthe hell he wants.
He can declare Mazzacane the WDC if he wants....
But that would be stupid, just liek removing MS from the championship because he chooses not to race at Indy, it is not braking any rules, otherwise he's have to do the same for all driver who missed One round this year (HHF, Enge, Marques, Zonta, de la Rosa, Burti, Yoong).
Bernie can do it, but will be more unpopular than Briatore if he does.

[magic]

in 3 years ms will buy out bernie.

[KinetiK]

Originally posted by schumigal
I disagree. Life is more precious than sports!!

How can anyone think sports is more important than life, i dun get it!!

so... the terrorist win. Good job.

[PeaQ]

you guys are silly...
Bernie just stated a simple fact, MS isnt WDC 2001 yet, not untill the season is over, Im surprised if it comes as a surprise to you.
He didnt even mention the USGP or any boycot, it was the article, ie, the journalist that did.
So hold your judging horses untill you see a complete quote of what he actually said...

[bleakuzs]

For once I give Bernie my support, the race must go on, the terrorists cannot make us live in fear.

[100cc]

Originally posted by PeaQ
you guys are silly...
Bernie just stated a simple fact, MS isnt WDC 2001 yet, not untill the season is over, Im surprised if it comes as a surprise to you.
He didnt even mention the USGP or any boycot, it was the article, ie, the journalist that did.
So hold your judging horses untill you see a complete quote of what he actually said...

[EVL29]

Flying Panda wrote...

"But that would be stupid, just liek removing MS from the championship because he chooses not to race at Indy, it is not braking any rules,"

EVL29 responds...

And how do you Know it isn't against the rules.There may be(probably are) rules requiring drivers to participate in all of the rounds of the Championship.
One would think there are exceptions such as Not having medical clearance(from Prof. Wadkins) or being let go by team(for lack of Finances etc.).

I bet Bernie knows the rules better than Us.

Not saying I agree with him,though.

[HP]

PeaQ, 100CC,

Well if you don't notice Bernie's rather dictatorial stance in this case... If he has to go so low with the quote on Michael, then Mr. Supremo just shows that he is afraid that the situation gets out of his hand.

And mind you, it's not just because of Michael. Some drivers and team owners have verbalized this weekend their displeasure with the FIA's decisions, altough probably all will be there should the race not be cancelled. But to give the FIA a bit pressure to think through all the issues won't hurt either. At least I hope it makes them aware of the responsibility they carry. God forbid, but if the race get's attacked, with so many people there, to whom will Bernie and the FIA pass the buck? Those who are behind Bernie, do you want to carry the responsibility??

[slc]

Nice quote from Ralf: "Bernie Ecclestone has recommended that we will race. I'm eager to see whether he shows up."

[A3]

Originally posted by slc
Nice quote from Ralf: "Bernie Ecclestone has recommended that we will race. I'm eager to see whether he shows up."

And Ecclestone responded to that by saying he would definately be there and he said Ralf better should too.

HP, if you're quoting Ecclestone, why do you only include a part of it?
This is what Ecclestone further said:

"The race is going to take place, but I can't control what drivers are going to do. However, there may be retaliation."

The event has been in doubt following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, and some drivers have expressed their disagreement with the race taking place. German Ralf Schumacher said the idea to hold the race was "a bad joke", and that he was not willing to take his family there.

But Ecclestone believes the race should go ahead as planned, and he agreed with FIA president Max Mosley in saying that Formula One should not surrender to terrorism.

"It wasn't a hard decision to go ahead with the race," Ecclestone was quoted as saying by Autosport.com. "It was simple. We have a contract and we are honouring a contract, just like we always do. The terrorists have just done something which is unbelievable.

"These attacks have been such a big shock to the entire world. To everybody. My feeling is simple. You cannot bow down to terrorism.

"These people did this to terrorise the world and if we are terrorised and stop what we are doing they have achieved what they wanted to achieve. Everyone in America and the rest of the world should go on exactly as normal and refuse to give in to them."

Bernie

[Nasty McBastard]

im quite sure if the championship situation was like last year for mikey, he wouldnt be thinking about not showing up.

the race isnt cancelled.. so just go, get on with it...

[Mrv]

Originally posted by Nasty McBastard
im quite sure if the championship situation was like last year for mikey, he wouldnt be thinking about not showing up.

the race isnt cancelled.. so just go, get on with it...

Agree. I have lost respect for Michael, about him boycotting the US Grandprix. Michael is not greater than F1 or Ferrari and never will be. He owes it to his fans worldwide to show up and put up a good fight in the US. Do we want terrorism to win? The show must go on, and MIchael has to realize this. I am all in favor of Bernie stripping Michael of his World Title if he doesn't show up.

[cosmoK]

Can somebody direct me to a report where Michael Schumacher said he will be boycotting the USGP, or that the race should be cancelled?

Reading the Sunday Times article, Bernie seems to be responding to a quesion the reporter was asking, and not to something Michael actually said.

http://www.sunday-ti...pscon01001.html?

[A3]

Originally posted by cosmoK
Can somebody direct me to a report where Michael Schumacher said he will be boycotting the USGP, or that the race should be cancelled?

I don't think MS did that. it was Ralf who was concerned about safety, haven't heard Michael about it.

[cosmoK]

Then why are so many people jumping all over the guy? Bernie seemed to be responding to the reporter's 'What IF Michael Schumacher decides to boycott'. So if anyone here has a direct quote from Michael, please post the quote or a link. Otherwise, all this bashing is just stupid.

[cygnus]

If MS & RS don't want to race .. they shouldn't be 'forced' to.

I say: let Luca Badoer & Marc Gene drive the USGP for their teams.

[schumigal]

Originally posted by cygnus
If MS & RS don't want to race .. they shouldn't be 'forced' to.

I say: let Luca Badoer & Marc Gene drive the USGP for their teams.

I agree with you

[A3]

Originally posted by cosmoK
Then why are so many people jumping all over the guy? Bernie seemed to be responding to the reporter's 'What IF Michael Schumacher decides to boycott'. So if anyone here has a direct quote from Michael, please post the quote or a link. Otherwise, all this bashing is just stupid.

This is the entire article:

Sunday September 16th, 2001

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has warned Michael Schumacher that he could lose his drivers' title if he decides not to race at the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis in two weeks' time.

Ecclestone responded to claims that some drivers, who have been deeply affected by the atrocities in the United States, were considering not racing at the Brickyard circuit despite the FIA's insistence that the race would continue as planned.

"Let's get one thing straight. Michael Schumacher is not the 2001 World Champion yet, anything could happen," Ecclestone said in British newspaper The Sunday Times. "Maybe he could lose his points over one of the next three races. I'm sure that won't be the case, but it could be.

"The race is going to take place, but I can't control what drivers are going to do. However, there may be retaliation."

The event has been in doubt following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, and some drivers have expressed their disagreement with the race taking place. German Ralf Schumacher said the idea to hold the race was "a bad joke", and that he was not willing to take his family there.

But Ecclestone believes the race should go ahead as planned, and he agreed with FIA president Max Mosley in saying that Formula One should not surrender to terrorism.

"It wasn't a hard decision to go ahead with the race," Ecclestone was quoted as saying by Autosport.com. "It was simple. We have a contract and we are honouring a contract, just like we always do. The terrorists have just done something which is unbelievable.

"These attacks have been such a big shock to the entire world. To everybody. My feeling is simple. You cannot bow down to terrorism.

"These people did this to terrorise the world and if we are terrorised and stop what we are doing they have achieved what they wanted to achieve. Everyone in America and the rest of the world should go on exactly as normal and refuse to give in to them."

[cosmoK]

Originally posted by A3


This is the entire article:

A3, thank you. But in that article there isn't any quote from Michael either. The following is from The Sunday Times :

____________________________________________________
Somebody close to the team says Ferrari were in two minds
about whether to race at Monza at all; the plain red bodywork
and black noses were their compromise. Michael Schumacher
has been distant all weekend, shunning set-piece interviews and
photo sessions, and retiring quickly to the team motorhome.
Unlike his brother, who has expressed worries about security in
America around Formula One's scheduled appearance at
Indianapolis in two weeks' time, Michael's thoughts are more
about respect and about whether it is correct to be racing when
much of the world is in mourning.

Bernie Ecclestone was clear in his assessment of this when I
spoke to him. "Let's get one thing straight," said Ecclestone.
"Michael Schumacher is not yet the 2001 world champion.
Anything could happen. Maybe he could lose his points over
one of the next three races. I'm sure that won't be the case, but
it could be . . ."

Which, if I read it correctly, is Ecclestone's way of saying that
F1 will honour its contract to race at Indianapolis and that
nobody of importance will be allowed to step out of line,
especially Michael Schumacher.
______________________________________________________

It seems to me that somebody has gotten into his head that Michael is planning to boycott the race when the man himself hasn't said a word, at least not in public. I'm sure many of the F1 personnel have private misgivings about the whole thing. I'm also sure that if FIA decides the race is on, all of them will be there.

I really don't know what all this fuss is about.

[RJL]

Dear Bernie,

What if Michael suddenly announced his retirement, effective immediately, would you strip him of his WDC? If Mika did the same, would you strip him of HIS points?

What if Michael has the flu, or sprains his ankle etc? Must he still drive in order to retain the WDC that HE'S ALREADY EARNED?

What if Ferrari decided to emulate Jordan and asked Michael to step aside for one event so that their tester (Badoer, in this case) could have a go. Why does one set of rules then apply to Jordan and a completely different set to Ferrari? Is it just because MS is your biggest draw?

[mhferrari]

Bernie is silly.

[DB]

I'm am thoroughly sickened by this. For Mr. Ecclestone to threaten Michael in this way is absolutely unacceptable!

If Micheal (or any other driver) does not feel it is in good taste to hold the event, what else can they do? They may not have the authority to cancel it, but should definitely be given the choice to participate or not. For Bernie to start "dictating" ultimatums to drivers and threatening their points under these circumstances absolutely MAKES ME SICK!

Drivers are human beings and as such, each is uniquely affected by this sort of tradgedy and deals with it in his or her own way. You can agree or disagree with Micheal's feelings about racing in the US, but right or wrong, they are HIS feelings and ultimately, it is HIS decision.

For anyone making the argument that Bernie "Doesn't want to let the terrorists win", I do not believe for a nanosecond this has anything to do with his motivation. If it was, he would be much more concerned with the symbology of the event itself and not it's marketability without certain drivers in attendence.

Bernie Ecclestone is, always has been, and always will be all about money. THAT'S HIS GOD! Even at a time when the rest of the world, but especially those of us here in the states, are struggling to come to terms with these events, and at a time when we are facing a war which is likely to cost many more lives, this sad devotion to his own wealth makes me despise this worhtless prick even more!

SHAME ON YOU MR. ECCLESTONE!
DB

[Toyoter]

Originally posted by cygnus
If MS & RS don't want to race .. they shouldn't be 'forced' to.

I say: let Luca Badoer & Marc Gene drive the USGP for their teams.

Yeah, that'll be fun for those of us who attend the race. I can't tell you how long I've waited to see Luca Badoer and Marc Gene do battle. Bernie's right about this one. The USGP is already struggling to gain fans in the U.S., if the top drivers start wimping out and refusing to race there, Americans are going to think that F1 is full of a bunch of nancy boys and completely lose all interest in the series. I'm sure Bernie, if no one else, doesn't want that to happen.

[raceday]

It’s quite a difficult situation to judge.

On one side you have BE who has a show to run and quite obviously wants it to be business as usual, in particular when there’s talk about the USGP because it’s a new race and it could open up the biggest market of the world for formula one. It could also be claimed that we need to show the terrorists that they have not won by going about our business as usual. One could also say that MS (and others) owe it to their fans to go their and race.

On the other side you have the fact that people react differently to different scenarios. I would say it’s quite likely that some drivers feel more sick about the current situation than others and it’s hence effecting them more. It could also be claimed that it’s not safe to go to a country that is currently at WAR. And who would take responsibility for if something happens to the drivers, their families, the teams or indeed the spectators? One could also say that if a driver feels sick because of the current situation and he’s forced to race, then during the race he’s not his normal self and something bad happens: Who’s gonna take responsibility for that!?

My opinion is that they should have the race, but I can’t see that it’s right to force particular drivers to participate if they feel sick, the sport is to dangerous for that.

[BARnone]

DB:

Taste has nothing to do with it. Bernie has a contract to put on a show in Indianappolis and I suspect he means to do it. The president of the United States and the mayor of New York City are urging people to start to pick up their lives and carry on.

BARnone.

[snow]

Bernie is always looking at the bottom line, money. Being the top cheese of F1, he kind of has to put it out there like he did because he has to look at the bigger picture with regard to his business and its future. For him, it's a case of politics, not ethics.

As a fellow human being, I can certainly understand anyone's fears about coming here. It's natural. Sure, I'd like to expect a different attitude and a greater level of maturity from guys like Ralf, but I also understand that they're not American and don't have any emotional ties to us OR our need to continue this GP as a stance against terrorism.

In the end though, nothing including money or our stance against terrorism may allow our GP to run this year. If things get too harry within the next couple of weeks, then all of this is a mute point.

The drivers are high-paid professionals, but they are human and I respect their feelings. I personally have a fear of flying already, but if the USGP runs, I will get on a plane and go. Because I've faced death before, I know that when my time is up, it's up. Doesn't matter what I'm doing or where I'm at. When God calls it a day for me, there's nothing I can do except be ready.
My relationship with God and this world influences me see it this way.

[Ricardo F1]

Bernie is right if you ask me, there are two races left in the season - move along.

[A3]

Snow

[ludlum]

Bernie certainly had the right idea. But made a mess of expressing it. He could have handled it much more diplomatically. But instead he choose to act in a high handed manner.
He has been distracted and low key all this week which shows his real character. Lets wait and see if bernie turns up in US

[A3]

Originally posted by ludlum
He has been distracted and low key all this week which shows his real character. Lets wait and see if bernie turns up in US

I'm impressed how you can judge someone's character just by reading his statements to the press.

[rdrcr]

Following the American terrorist attack last Tuesday, the organisers of the US Grand Prix and the FIA's Max Mosley have made it clear that the US race will go ahead in two weeks time, despite misgivings from some members of the paddock. Yesterday Michael Schumacher appeared affected by the events that took place in the States. He looked subdued and unconcerned by his comparatively poor qualifying position of third place at Monza.

Today, the Sunday Times quoted Bernie Ecclestone, in what may be interpreted as a controversial veiled warning to Schumacher if he is considering avoiding the race in the States.

"Let's get one thing straight. Michael Schumacher is not yet the 2001 world champion. Anything could happen. Maybe he could lose his points over one of the next three races. I'm sure that won't be the case, but it could be . . ."

The interviewer Peter Windsor went on to interpret Ecclestone's words: "...Which, if I read it correctly, is Ecclestone's way of saying that f1 will honour its contract to race at Indianapolis and that nobody of importance will be allowed to step out of line, especially Michael Schumacher..."

Only this morning, Ecclestone said to the press in Monza: "The race is going to take place, but I can't control what drivers are going to do. However, there may be retaliation."


Several teams have responded to events in their own way. Ferrari have removed all sponsor logos and are driving plain red cars with black noses. The Williams team are wearing black armbands. Jean Alesi's Jordan is sporting a US flag. And McLaren have reportedly set up a fund for the children of those that perished.

Michael's brother Ralf has been one of the most outspoken drivers. "I think it is a joke in bad taste to think of racing in the US after what has happened in New York and Washington," said the German, shortly after the disaster with emotions running high.

Ron Dennis was quoted yesterday in the Telegraph openly exploring whether flight problems might prevent the race from taking place: "If retaliatory action is taken it will enhance the difficulties of movement and it would not be practical to hold the event."


Only this morning, David Coulthard held a ten minute talk with Michael Schumacher at the same time as Bernie Ecclestone was seen in discussion with Jean Todt. It is conceivable that neither of these conversations related to the US race issue.

Given Ecclestone's words this morning, his statements are a clear threat and I question Ecclestone's right to lay down the gauntlet to Michael Schumacher when this is an extremely personal and emotional issue. Michael Schumacher may well decide on his own that he wants to race in the US, but surely that should be his personal decision... Other reports have indicated that Michael Schumacher would unlikely be at the US race.

In a dangerous sport it is critical for drivers to fully concentrate, otherwise they put themselves and others at risk. Should Michael Schumacher be put in the position of considering sacrificing his achievements (2001 World Championship), because he may have strong personal beliefs?

The argument that life should go on, and no concession should be made to terrorism, is a very valid one. But at the same time some individuals feel sufficiently shocked and affected by events, that they need some time for reflection and are unable to get on with business as normal. This is equally valid. While all involved in the sport recognise that building a US audience is important to the globalisation of the sport, the question must be asked: At what price?

IMHO, Ecclestone has done himself a great disservice and has reduced his integrity in my eyes and I suppose the eyes of many...

[917k]

I don't want to seem insensitive to the horrors of last week,but isn't everyone going a little too far on this?

Of course I was shocked and appalled with the circumstances but I still had to go to work that day,had to pick my kids up from school,had to grocery shop etc.[in general,go on with my life]
As awful as events were ,we need to go on with things.Hell even the families of the victims are getting on with it.How long will we putter around in a morose state,worried about ''the next one''?

What is the precedent for all this morality?I do not recall anyone calling for GPs to be cancelled when 20,000 die in a Mexican earthquake,or untold thousands die in a cyclone in Bangladesh,or hundreds of thousands are slaughtered in Rwanda,etc.etc.

Why does this incident seem to be so overpowering?Are these deaths somehow more important than those dying,by the thousands,around the world,on a daily basis?Why are so many coming out with such clear statements of grief and sorrow.We should be equally saddened and shocked by starvation,around the world,happening to thousands as I write this.

The many millions that are being donated by sporting organizations could be much better used through the world.

I'm not trying to trivialize the events,but put them in perspective.Terrible things happen everyday.Most do not get shown,ad naseum,on Television.Most are ignored by you and me because these things are so distant and the people seem so different.

This was a terrible thing but all the soapbox preaching,by sporting figures,foreign media etc. is a bit rich considering the almost total LACK of coverage received if terrible things happen to non-white,or non-Western people.

So I say,carry on with your life.If you can ignore the genocide of a half million Africans,surely you can cope with this.

[flyer72]

If MS do not want to go to the US, noone can force him but it would be very weird. If RS do not want to bring his family, noone is forcing him to do so.
But what's next? Should we cancel all future CART races because of the tragedy that has happened to Zanardi? I feel terribly sorry for Alex but it was a racing accident and they sadly do happen.
To cancel a F1 race is same thing as caving in to the terrorists. If RS or MS do not want to race...... Well they are F1 drivers are they not?

MS will surely show up at indy, Bernie is just making sure! And trust me, MS, do not want to challenge Bernie.

[DB]

My problem with Mr. Ecclestone is not centered around his desire to hold the event but his resort to thinly veiled threats to force drivers to participate who may, for their own reasons, not wish to.

If the organizers want to hold the event, that is their decision. If a driver (or any athlete or performer, worker, whatever) isn't ready he ought not be forced or threatened. I have COMPLETELY lost any respect for Bernie Ecclestone...

DB

[ehagar]

I'm puzzled by Bernie's threat. Take away points? No precident for that for skipping an event. Lauda walked out on Ferrari, did he lose his WC status?

It's stupid. If a guy doesn't want to drive, then don't force them.

[Ricardo F1]

But Mr Schumacher is a big draw - and thus a big cash gain for Bernie. If Schumacher doesn't drive at Indy there's going to be a lot of pissed off people asking for money back - from attendees to sponsors.

The money wasn't that much of an issue back in 76 . . .

[Williams]

I think Bernie is off the line. It is up to individual racers to decide whether they want to take that risk or not. You cannot force people to do something they don't want to do. That is what FREEDOM is all about!

Michael has the freedom to boycott Indy.

Bernie has the freedom to ban his ass from the sport.

There's lots of freedom on both sides.

I suspect neither thing will happen.

[berge]

Originally posted by 917k
I don't want to seem insensitive to the horrors of last week,but isn't everyone going a little too far on this?

Of course I was shocked and appalled with the circumstances but I still had to go to work that day,had to pick my kids up from school,had to grocery shop etc.[in general,go on with my life]
As awful as events were ,we need to go on with things.Hell even the families of the victims are getting on with it.How long will we putter around in a morose state,worried about ''the next one''?

What is the precedent for all this morality?I do not recall anyone calling for GPs to be cancelled when 20,000 die in a Mexican earthquake,or untold thousands die in a cyclone in Bangladesh,or hundreds of thousands are slaughtered in Rwanda,etc.etc.

Why does this incident seem to be so overpowering?Are these deaths somehow more important than those dying,by the thousands,around the world,on a daily basis?Why are so many coming out with such clear statements of grief and sorrow.We should be equally saddened and shocked by starvation,around the world,happening to thousands as I write this.

The many millions that are being donated by sporting organizations could be much better used through the world.

I'm not trying to trivialize the events,but put them in perspective.Terrible things happen everyday.Most do not get shown,ad naseum,on Television.Most are ignored by you and me because these things are so distant and the people seem so different.

This was a terrible thing but all the soapbox preaching,by sporting figures,foreign media etc. is a bit rich considering the almost total LACK of coverage received if terrible things happen to non-white,or non-Western people.

So I say,carry on with your life.If you can ignore the genocide of a half million Africans,surely you can cope with this.

[Winegod]

I wish someone would rollover Bernie with a steam roller. The guys is a major league sorry A$$ F!ck. While I think Schumacher should suck it up and race, if he feels that he shouldn't race, then he shouldn't be forced.

I mean, we don't know what will happen in the next two weeks. Schumacher is probably anticipating military retaliation on the part of the US. That is an environment conducive to racing.

I've never been a fan of MS's character, but he could gain my respect depending what he chooses to do in the next few weeks. If he does what he thinks is right and opposes Bernie



If he decided to race because it might be the right thing to do



If he races to appease Bernie



I mean lets be realistic. If Bernie would strip MS of the WDC, there would be anarchy. I bet even JV would not stand for it! Jenson Button would become WDC, because no one else would accept that Bernie's ****-for-barf title!!!!

I mean, why the hell do we watch F1? This isn't a puppet show put on for the commercial entities, no matter how it may seem to be that sometimes. Schumacher has the right to have stopped racing after Hockenheim, taken a vacation to Arabia, and enjoyed the rest of the season at the finest harem money can buy.

[snow]

"****-for-barf" title...thanks Winegod, this is the first time I've laughed since Tuesday morning I'll have to start using it.

[Flying Panda]

Originally posted by cygnus
If MS & RS don't want to race .. they shouldn't be 'forced' to.

I say: let Luca Badoer & Marc Gene drive the USGP for their teams.

Exactly, F1 driver should have this right, afterall, this is the Free Would isn't it?