Bernie speaks out at the new teams

[Duke]

Don't hold back now

Bernie Ecclestone suspects that 'one or two' teams will drop out of Formula 1 before the end of 2010, and reckons that Lotus aside, this season's new squads would not be missed if they departed.

...

"But I would not be surprised if one or two of them did not make the end of the season. I think there are a couple of teams in Formula 1 who really shouldn't be there. They are a bit out of their depth at the moment."

Ecclestone does not feel the current 24-car grid size - which could expand to 26 next year if the FIA accepts any of the applications for the slot formerly earmarked for US F1 - is essential and reckons a return to a 10-team field would be no problem at all for F1.

While singling out Lotus as a worthwhile addition to the field, he suggested the other 2010 newcomers have brought little to the sport.

A much needed poke at the FIA there. I hope they don't make the same mistakes twice with the selection process, although they have already taken too long imo and the new teams will struggle like these have due to a lack of time to prepare.

 

[Duke]

I think it was a good call not to let them in. It was all a bit rushed etc - they would have just been slower and lots of potential for financial issues. Better to give them much more time to plan, or ideally join up with another team like Sauber.

StefanGP had (or led to believe) the 2010 Toyota chassis & support, so should have been a better bet than HRT. As Flib said above, Lotus have done well and I believe they could be using Renault engines next season IIRC. Virgin are a bit of an odd one. They have improved the car a bit and have good backing? But not making huge progress really.

 

[Duke]

Wish the main teams were allowed to have 3 cars instead, then we might see some racing.

Or not as the recent case may be...