2005 German Grand Prix

Full text from the ITV Guilty bit above...

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/obb/prog_cb/pcb56/issue39.pdf said:
In Breach
Formula 1 racing – San Marino Grand Prix
ITV1, 24 April 2005, 12:00
Introduction

126 viewers complained about various aspects of ITV’s coverage of this event and in
particular the advertising break pattern.

The main complaint concerned the placement and length of the final break in the
race. The break (lasting 2 minutes 30 seconds) occurred just as the race, by then a
close contest between Alonso and Schumacher, was entering its closing stage and
finished just before the final lap. The complainants argued that the location of the
break and its duration were unacceptable, depriving viewers of live coverage of a
vital part of the race and destroying the tension that had built up during the event.

They suggested that the break could (and should) have been placed elsewhere,
either within the race or preferably in pre/post race sections of the programme. Many
also objected to the perceived differences between coverage of football and F1 in
placement and frequency of breaks – likening the positioning of the final race break
in this instance to cutting to advertising during a penalty shoot out.

They also complained about other aspects of the coverage and the pattern of
advertising breaks. A number criticised the fact that a further break (also of 2 minutes
30 seconds) was taken very shortly after the finish of the race, saying that this simply
compounded their impression that the advertising was taking precedence over
programme integrity/quality. Others argued that a replay of the ‘missing’ three or so
laps after the race was inadequate compensation for loss of live coverage at a crucial
stage and also led to shortened coverage of the press conference, missing the
appearance of the British driver Jensen Button. A number asked that the coverage
be handed back to the BBC.

We wrote to the broadcaster querying how the coverage complied with its Rules on
the Amount and Scheduling of Advertising and in particular Section 6.7(b), dealing
with placement of breaks in sports coverage. This rule states that in live coverage of
long continuous sporting events, breaks may be taken at points where the focus of
coverage shifts from one point to another of the event.

Response

ITV accepted that the final break in the race had been in breach of RASA Section
6.7, having been taken at an inappropriate time. It assured us that it understood the
requirements of this rule and took very seriously the need to ensure that the quality of
the viewing experience was maintained at the highest standards.

It outlined the steps normally taken to ensure that breaks were taken at appropriate
times during the race. The production team were in continual liaison with the teams’
pit crews to determine when drivers were to be called in for pit stops or other planned
actions. This communication helped to ensure that breaks were not taken at crucial
moments in a race. ITV argued that the San Marino Grand Prix had had an
exceptional ending where, for the last 15 minutes, Michael Schumacher was vying to
overtake Fernando Alonso. The production team would normally wait for the
outcome of the situation to avoid being in a break at the crucial moment. As the race
progressed, the point at which the last race break would normally be taken passed and a judgement call was required. To take a break before the situation was resolved
could have resulted in missing the action. With time running out, the decision was
eventually made to take the break. In retrospect the break should have been taken
earlier but at the time it had been a difficult call to make.

ITV said that the analogy suggested by viewers between football & motor-racing
comparison did not stand in terms of how breaks interrupted the Formula 1 coverage.
The focus during a football match lay with the ball which was the same for the actual
spectators at a match. In motor racing, spectators only saw brief glimpses of the
action from static positions, whereas the television coverage shows many points of
action and follows many different focus points showing, where possible, the most
interesting and exciting action. This meant that coverage was switched from one
action point to another and any exciting action not seen by viewers, whether due to
the taking of a commercial break or from events of interest occurring at the same
time, were always replayed as soon as practical.

The break taken shortly after a race finished was always taken after the last ‘points
scoring’ car crossed the finish line but before the drivers got to the podium. The
apparent issue in this case had stemmed from the previous break being taken very
near the end of the race.

The replay of the last 3 laps had been required to provide viewers with the best
coverage possible; the replay of events was an essential part of Formula 1 coverage
where action has been missed for whatever reason. On this particular occasion this
did reduce the time available for the press conference and post race analysis leaving
no time to show the Jensen Button interview.

ITV also added that it undertook extensive research at the start of its coverage of
Formula 1 and this had been the established break pattern for the last eight years
based on the audience feedback.

Decision

We acknowledge the points made by ITV about its coverage of Formula 1 racing and
recognise the problems it had faced in finding an appropriate point for the final race
break due to the way the race had developed. We agree that the final race break was
in breach of the Rules on the Amount and Scheduling of Advertising, having been
taken during an ongoing focus on the battle between the lead drivers, where no
natural break point had been present.

The output breached Section 6.7(b) (natural breaks in sports programming) of
the Rules on Amount and Scheduling of Advertising
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And a little bit more news...

Financial problems on the horizon for Williams?

Not only has the WilliamsF1 squad lost their cosy engine partnership with BMW where they didn’t have to pay for their supply of engines, but now it appears as if there is even more trouble on the financial side of things as several of their sponsors, who are tied to BMW, prepare to leave as well.

After the announcement that BMW will take over the Sauber squad next year, Castrol will be the first to go, switching allegiances with immediate effect. However, even though Hewlett Packard and Allianz have contracts till 2006, according to Munich sources they are connected to the fact that there is a BMW engine in the car.

Meanwhile, according to our spies in Britain, BMW are also desperately looking for sponsorship, as Mario Theissen promised the board when he delivered his concept that all the running cost of the team would be financed by sponsors. As for the first year with Sauber, BMW’s allied sponsors are contracted to Williams, the German engine manufacturer will be looking to compensate with higher charges for the engine to a customer team. But, if Williams says good-bye to Munich and goes with another engine supplier, then BMW could encourage Hewlett Packard and Allianz to follow immediately.
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Well...it's official...

Minardi announces Doornbos signing
Racing series F1
Date 2005-07-19

The Minardi F1 Team today announces that Dutchman, Robert Doornbos, is to join countryman, Christijan Albers, in the Faenza squad's driver line-up with immediate effect. Doornbos, who has fulfilled the role of Friday test driver at Jordan this season, thus steps up to a full race seat at Minardi, replacing Patrick Friesacher.

"We are pleased to welcome Robert to Minardi," comments Team Principal, Paul Stoddart. "He has demonstrated clearly over the last year that he has the pace necessary to compete in Formula One, and we are pleased to give him the opportunity to make his World Championship debut at this weekend's German Grand Prix."

"I believe he is going to do an excellent job over the coming races, and I'm sure the Minardi team can expect even more enthusiastic support from the Netherlands, if that's possible, as we now have the first, all-Dutch driver line-up."

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Patrick sincerely for his efforts on behalf of the team, and although commercial considerations mean we have had to bring our relationship with him to an end, this decision should in no way be taken as a reflection on his skill or ability as a driver. We continue to rate him very highly, and wish him all the best for the future."

-minardi-
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I quite like the hairpin on the new hockenheim, a good overtaking place with a fair bit of action in recent years, also a really nice camera angle that follows the cars. Does ruin a few long straights and chicanes through trees though, but gives spectators something to see.

I'm sure they could have done a better job redesigning Hockenheim, instead of just cutting out the whole section through the trees, but maybe they didn't want to cut trees down or something? I think I read somewhere that the end of the old hockenheim circuit has been chopped off by a new autobahn anyway.

ITV deserve a good kicking for RUINING the end of Imola, I was very annoyed at ITV when they did that :(
 
Also, good news for McLaren & their fans:

NEWEY EXTENDS MCLAREN DEAL (itv-f1.com)

McLaren technical director Adrian Newey says that he will remain with the team through 2006.

The aerodynamics ace responsible for some of the most successful Formula 1 cars of the modern era, Newey has often spoken of his desire to take a break from grand prix racing. He has recently started racing classic cars, and is keen to design a yacht for the America’s Cup race at some point in the future.

But he will stay in F1 with McLaren for at least another season.

“I had intended to have a rest,” Newey told Autosport magazine. “But, for the moment, this step can wait...I will be at McLaren in 2006.”

Newey joined McLaren from Williams in 1997 and has stayed with Ron Dennis’ squad ever since. His arrival helped the team to get back into a position of dominance after several seasons in the doldrums.

He almost left for Jaguar four years ago, but was eventually persuaded to remain with McLaren instead.
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More news...now 6 cars in F1 2008....

Midland F1, owner of Jordan Grand Prix, has confirmed that it has signed to compete in the 2008 to 2012 Formula One World Championship regulated by a revised Concorde Agreement.

Jordan are the third team to sign up after Red Bull Racing confirmed their decision earlier this week to join future engine supplier Ferrari in inking a deal with the FIA and F1 ringmaster, Bernie Ecclestone.

"Bernie Ecclestone was instrumental in bringing Midland to Formula One and from the very beginning Alex Shnaider was supportive of his vision for the future of Formula One and the World Championship," said Midland F1 managing director, Colin Kolles.

"We are happy and proud to be in at the beginning of this process which will shape Formula One's long term future."
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No surprise there...
 
Byron5184 said:
I agree with most people here, hockenheim is a terrible track now that pansy neutered it back in 02

Bring back the old circuit!!
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Sadly it cannot be brought back as they have ripped up the track and planted trees
 
German Grand Prix on ITV1 and ITV2
Live qualifying: Saturday 23 July 1130-1310 (ITV1)

Live race: Sunday 24 July 1200-1500 (ITV1)

Highlights: Sunday 24 July 2340-0040 (ITV1)
Highlights: Monday 25 July 0320-0410 (ITV2)

Full race replay: Tuesday 26 July 0115-0355 (ITV2)
 
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=33532 said:
DRIVERS' MEETING GETS GO-AHEAD
Last Updated: Wednesday, 20, July, 2005, 14:26

The meeting between the Formula 1 drivers and FIA president Max Mosley will definitely go ahead on 1 August.

The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association had requested the talks to discuss their desire for increased safety at test sessions.

It was initially due to take place at the British Grand Prix, but Mosley rescheduled it for Cannes in early August – provided that at least half the drivers confirmed their attendance in advance.

“Twelve drivers have confirmed that they will attend the meeting with the FIA President," an FIA spokesman told Autosport.

"Although this level of interest is disappointing, the FIA feels that the meeting should take place regardless.

"Those drivers who are prepared to attend and want to express their views on safety should have the opportunity to be heard."

The drivers’ responses to the controversial United States Grand Prix may also be discussed at the meeting.

GPDA director David Coulthard recently suggested that a drivers’ strike was “entirely possible” if the drivers felt that their safety was being compromised.

He has since played down these comments.

In other political developments, the alliance of teams and manufacturers will give their proposed regulations for a breakaway F1 series to the FIA this weekend.

It is thought that there are many similarities between the teams’ suggestions and the 2008 rules package already floated by the FIA.

Many hope that this will lead to a compromise solution being reached, bringing an end to the political turbulence that has surrounded F1 in recent years.
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aaaaaand....more news.

Michelin 'balance' in F1

Since its return to Formula One, Michelin has noticed a strong imbalance in its favour; 7 teams having requested Michelin to provide tyres to them. This tendency has continued since an eighth team has now asked Michelin for a partnership agreement.

Michelin is obviously delighted by the confidence this demonstrates, both in the positive appreciation of its products by its partners and also in the recognition of its policy of treating all its partners equally.

However, this situation does not help the development of long-term competition between tyre manufacturers; a principle to which Michelin is firmly committed.

As Michelin Chairman and CEO, Edouard Michelin has often reiterated: "Formula One must remain the marvellous technological showcase that it is, thus allowing the world's automobile players to compete, whilst offering a true show for the fans, as well as providing benefits within the automotive industry. It is with this in mind that tyre manufacturers must be able to make their own contribution towards improving the performances of the teams they supply. This supposes that there be at least two tyre manufacturers involved, maybe even more."

Michelin is therefore completely open to allowing for a more balanced split of teams among tyre manufacturers, starting as early as the 2006 season.

Furthermore, as Michelin has often stated, it remains fully in favour of working on adapting the regulations relating to tyres in the F1 environment, with a view to better cost-control, improving safety and to continuing to develop exciting racing for the fans.
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So..who is the 8th team?

Ferrari - Don't think so...
Minardi - Errr..Don't think so *bar blood between them and apparently an big unpaid bill...

So...Jordan/Midland - must be...

Simon/~Flibster
 
I personally would have said Minardi were this '8th team'. Stoddy wants as little to do with Ferrari (and therefore Bridgestone) as possible, and if you think about it, apart from Red Bull, this would mean that all teams looking to form the GPWC would be Michelin shod.... possibly a single tyre supplier for the GPWC being formed?

What is this unpaid bill you mention?
 
I'd heard that Minardi left Michelin under a serious cloud of annoyance...

They weren't getting the support they wanted *Eg - having to do a test using F3000 slicks instead of F1 grooved tyres*

So they didn't pay a large chunk of their bill...

Simon/~Flibster
 
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