Stoddart on McLaren, the GPMA and other issues
For some, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to step out the spotlight, that is fame, once one has felt its warm glow.
When Eddie Jordan sold his team to Alex Shnaider and turned his back on F1, he became just another multi-millionaire, with lots of money to spend, but little of any real importance with which to fill his time. The same could be said of Eddie Irvine, who from time to time vents his spleen, but, as times goes on, finds less and less people willing to listen.
Having sold Minardi to Red Bull, and with his new airline (OzJet) not proving to be quite the success he had hoped for, Paul Stoddart is clearly another former inhabitant of 'Planet Paddock' missing the limelight and ever available for a quick soundbite.
In a recent chat with BBC's Radio Five Live, the Australian gave his opinion on a number of issues, including the proposed breakaway series, and the 2006 Formula One World Championship.
Of the breakaway threat, spearheaded by the manufacturers that comprise the Grand Prix Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and several leading F1 teams, for whom, until the end of last season, Stoddart was unofficial spokesman, he says: The manufacturers are having a tough time with Mosley at the moment. We all hope there will be a united F1 going forward from 2008, but we cannot quite close the chapter on that book yet.
"It is certainly looking promising with some of the recent moves," he added, referring to WilliamsF1's decision to 'sign up' to the new Concorde Agreement, "but you would not completely write off there being some turmoil ahead."
Looking ahead to the new season, the Australian said: "I think a lot is going to depend on how Ferrari reacts in the next 12 months. Clearly they have been the dominant force in five out of the last six seasons and no doubt a lot of that is down to Michael.
"But there is also a pretty good team of people from Jean Todt to Rory Byrne, Ross Brawn and so many people that made Ferrari a good team to be in," he added. "They lost the plot last year though. A lot of people blamed Bridgestone but it wasn't entirely Bridgestone's fault. And I don't think anyone thinks Michael is less of a driver, but he is clearly getting older now and Fernando is the young talent coming through.
"I think it makes a lot of sense," he said of Fernando Alonso's move to McLaren, scheduled for 2007. "Ferrari is a small car company, losing sponsors, who perhaps have had their best time. It is hard to turn down an offer from McLaren that is stable and prosperous."
"Ron Dennis and his people are not messing around," he added. "They are making statements not just with Fernando but with Vodafone and various other things that they are contenders for the championship. I think it is going to make a good partnership."
No doubt, with little else to fill his time, and the desire to be back in the full glare of the fame spotlight that is F1, we are going to hear a lot more from the former Minardi boss over the months and years to come.
Stoddart has already made it clear that he misses F1, and by all accounts still has a desire to return to the paddock.
However, since he still owns the Minardi name - as far as racing is concerned - if he remains that passionate about racing, which consists of more than F1, wouldn't it be an idea to consider attempting a new project... how about Minardi at Le Mans. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
