The Honda rumor has been going around for a couple years but I still think it's possible. Of course nearly every year VW is reported to be considering the same thing. One thing is certain, given the near unanimous speculation that Cosworth isn't going to build a 2014+ engine there may be opportunity for someone to step in but there still will be very few customers to go around. If no one else drops out there will be a total of 11 teams with engine supplies from Merc, Ferrari and Renault. Craig Pollard's PURE was supposedly working hard on an engine but dropped out due to funding issues after Bernie pushed the change from 2013 to 2014 and altered the formula from 1.6L to 2.4L. While Ferrari say they think they'll be better off if they can add another "partner" (customer) team, the other current engine builders aren't all ready to increase supply. In fact, Renault say they want to drop someone and supply one less team.
NBC added Leigh Diffey, presumably to fill Varsha's spot, and I think I remember reading that they did also hire Buxton.
The channel I'll be seeing it on is a cable only channel, and for that matter a premium program channel. Leigh Diffey.......I could have done without him.............the man does not know when to shut up! Someone please find a legal way to stream the ITV broadcast for us!
Sorry to say I have to shell out for that premium channel. From what I can tell Qualifying & Race will be broadcast, but not Practice. Costs me more for less.
Honda's engines in the turbo era were incredible. Restricted boost they were 1200 hp, unrestricted 1500 hp. From a 1.5 liter V6. I wounder if they are going to have a FIA bov or all controlled by the computer.
I found a couple interesting articles on the business of stewarding. Here's the intro for a good one that focuses on the Driver's Steward (in this case, for the Korea race in 2012). Poacher turns Gamekeeper! (SnifferMedia.com) Read the full article here.
If you'd like a bit of a preview of what we're likely to get from NBCSP, their first show -- Countdown to F1 -- is on tonight at 9pm Eastern.
Let me know what you think guys. I have yet to call the cable company to add the channel. If they suck I may just not do it.
Went to set the DVR for tonight, saw that NBC Sports Channel also picked up the show The Grid too. Airs directly after the F1 show.
Not that anyone is particularly fanatical about Marussia, but it looks like they might not get to be shown on TV. Which could be a mess when someone's lapping the back-markers. Marussia still in negotiations with Bernie Ecclestone | Marussia | Formula 1 news, live F1 | ESPN.co.uk
Overall it was a good show. My gripe is that it started late due to a basketball game that went over. Kind messed with the DVR but I had the show after it set to record too so I didn't miss anything from the F1 show. The hosts are a known entity so no changes there. it's obvious NBC has tossed more money at this than Speed ever did. Big set, looked good. Lots of post production stuff too. All in all I think they are off to a good start.