6 replies to this topic

[arthurive]

Eddie Jordan spent a lot of time on the phone over the past few days, and as my sources
tell it, the conversation went something like this:

The conversation was between Eddie Jordan (EJ) and a new talent, who's name is Kim OhSoSlow
of South Korea, who's reportedly got government backing of $25 Million and handlers who are
eager to see the F1 circus expand to the Korean peninsula

EJ: Am I speaking to Kim?

Kim: Yes, who is this?

EJ: Eddie Jordan, I run the Jordan F1 team and have heard a great deal about you.

Kim: Really?

EJ: Yes! I understand that you're and exciting new talent and that you're eager to step up

Kim: Well, yes, I did very well in the last ping pong tournament and I would like to continue
playing, hopefully someday for money.

EJ: Uhh yes, ping pong. Anyway let's talk about your driving.

Kim: Well, OK. I did a local karting event and was told I had potential. The track record was
set by some English kid, I dunno, Firman or something. He drove over in Japan and I
understand won some races or something. Anyway I got withing 17 seconds of his track
record and was told.........

EJ: Uh yeah, I know the kid. But you obviously enjoyed the karting!

Kim: Sure it was fun, but the speed was a little scary and all. But anyway, this Formula 1 thing
that you do, is it like karting?

EJ: No difference to speak of. Four wheels, steering, brakes, hell, we've got enough driver aids
all you'll have to do is push the right pedal and all.

Kim: These guys called me, there some investors from my country. They said they'd give something
like 40 million dollars to anyone that can let me race those F1 things and........hello?

At this time there was a loud sound like choking, and then silence for a few seconds.


EJ: Umm sorry!! Let me tell you, I really feel that you could be the next Senna! I think that a talent
like yours needs to be honed like a fine British wine and, well OK like fine British cuisine and
well dammit, we'll hone that talent!

[fifi]

wouldnt surprise me

[BRG]

Truth is stranger than fiction...

In reality, the name is Petrov and he is Russian. (see Grapevine). Won some Lada races apparently and is now being talked about to replace Firman

[Timur]

Originally posted by BRG
Truth is stranger than fiction...

In reality, the name is Petrov and he is Russian. (see Grapevine). Won some Lada races apparently and is now being talked about to replace Firman

Here is another link: Lada Driver Threatens Firman

Hope this is not going to turn into an anti-Russian flame. Thank you.

[Thanatos]

Hope this is not going to turn into an anti-Russian flame. Thank you.

To be frankfully honest, at the moment Russia could do with an international show like F1. If Petrov can bring F1 to Russia, then that can only be a good thing . Now I've never been to Russia (but I would like to) so don't take this the wrong way - could the local 'average' russian afford the ultra high ticket prices? Its all very well Russia getting the GP and building a track (is it still being built?) with a 100k cap. But it would look a very silly with 10,000 fans all huddled along the straight.

Firman - Now thats a difficult one.

[Pilla]

Originally posted by Thanatos


To be frankfully honest, at the moment Russia could do with an international show like F1. If Petrov can bring F1 to Russia, then that can only be a good thing . Now I've never been to Russia (but I would like to) so don't take this the wrong way - could the local 'average' russian afford the ultra high ticket prices? Its all very well Russia getting the GP and building a track (is it still being built?) with a 100k cap. But it would look a very silly with 10,000 fans all huddled along the straight.

Firman - Now thats a difficult one.

I dont think so Tom Walkinshaw was building it and his company whent bust after ARROWS collapsed. (all though they still seem to be operating)

Anyway according to the CIA world factbook Russia has a population of 145 million and in 2002 had an estimated income per capita of US$9,700 (less than half of countries such as England, France, New Zealand, etc).

China on the other hand has a population of 1.3 billion. And has a per capita income of $4,400. So even if it has a much higher population I think Russians can afford a GP. Espeacially if you consider that Bahrain only has a population of 667,000 and can average income of $14,000. And Malaysisa has a population of 23,000,000 and an income of US$9,700. If you also consider that Moscow is the largest city in Russia with close to 12 million and probably has a per average income in the region of western countries then they definitely can afford a GP.

Edit: Malaysias population is 23 million not 23,000 as stated

[Timur]

Originally posted by Thanatos


To be frankfully honest, at the moment Russia could do with an international show like F1. If Petrov can bring F1 to Russia, then that can only be a good thing . Now I've never been to Russia (but I would like to) so don't take this the wrong way - could the local 'average' russian afford the ultra high ticket prices? Its all very well Russia getting the GP and building a track (is it still being built?) with a 100k cap. But it would look a very silly with 10,000 fans all huddled along the straight.

Firman - Now thats a difficult one.

First, I don't really think Petrov is all that special (would be happy to err on that though).

Second, Moscow (fortunately or unfortunately -- depends on where you look at it from) is very different from the rest of Russia in about every aspect of human life, including income per capita (with a few exceptions being oil-rich regions). IMHO the first GP would be sold out long before the event at almost any price that looks at least remotely reasonable (USD300-400 for the weekend -- that's for sure).