What’s Bernie said now?
It was Andrew’s suggestion that I write a regular post covering the latest crazy thing to come out of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone’s mouth. Whether it’s saying that Honda’s departure was “no great loss” or suggesting some new medals scheme instead of points, you just know it won’t be long before the 5′ billionaire says something controversial.
This week the Times reports that, responding to Ferrari boss Luca Di Montezemolo’s remark that the sport did not need a dictator, Bernie put an actual figure on the extra money that Ferrari get over the other teams:
The only thing he has not mentioned is the extra money Ferrari get above all the other teams and all the extra things Ferrari have had for years the general help they are considered to have had in Formula One
He went on:
They know exactly what they get, they are not that stupid, although they are not that bright, either. They get about $80 million (about £54 million) more. When they win the constructors championship, which they did this year, they got $80 million more than if McLaren had won it.
Personally, I like the little dictator. I always enjoy Martin Brundle’s interviews with him on his pit walks. Bernie never seems quite sure where he is or what he’s meant to be doing.