Sidepodcast

F1 Advent Calendar 2009 - Day Fifteen

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• File: advent15.mp3 
• Transcript: advent15.pdf 
• Torrent: advent15.torrent 

Hello and welcome along, thank you for joining me for another episode of our F1 Advent Calendar 2009 mini series. We're about midway through December now, and moving on from the Hungarian Grand Prix - at last! What will we find behind the door of Day Fifteen - Take My Place.

Max Mosley had already confirmed that he would not be running for the FIA Presidency again, seemingly as part of the deal to halt the FOTA breakaway. He's said things like that before, though, and it wasn't until potential replacements began popping up, that I really thought it might happen. Jean Todt was the obvious candidate for the role, but it was Ari Vatanen who peaked our interest.

The Finn announced his intentions in late July, saying: "I think the time has come for a change. My main focus is to reconcile views within the FIA and bring transparency to its stakeholders. The duty of President is to defend a billion automobilists and the great sport of ours." As a former World Rally Champion, Ari certainly had the credentials on the sporting side, but it was the political side where he faced most of his opposition.

Ari said a lot of good things. He appealed to fans, and he was a fresh face in what has become an increasingly stale organisation. He talked the talk and he hit out at Mosley, which went down well in a sport that has been dominated by the man and his decisions.

His campaign started out well, but he began to run out of steam. When he announced his cabinet, most of the names were a bit of a mystery, and although he had some support, it seemed to be less vocal than the support for Todt. The lack of momentum put pressure on Vatanen, who responded in less than ideal ways.

Firstly, he criticised the FIA Foundation, suggesting that hiring a private jet to fly Jean Todt's girlfriend around the world might be showing a bit of favouritism. The Foundation rebuffed the claims instantly. Michelle Yeoh was an ambassador for the foundation, and an actress and name in her own right, not just Jean Todt's girlfriend. Whoever is right in that argument, it didn't reflect well on Mr Vatanen.

Next, he complained again about favouritism - this time suggesting that Mosley had told him he had already pledged allegiance to Jean Todt. The instant reaction to this is to wonder about whether the current president should be expressing such an opinion, but it was the circumstances that rebounded on to Ari. He revealed that in asking Mosley to favour him, Mosley had said he favoured Jean. Ah. That's slightly different.

Jean Todt and his cabinet capitalised on this, with a letter to member clubs saying: ""In our campaign, we have emphasised teamwork and the need for the mobility and motor sport pillars to work together. In contrast, the negative tone of our opponent's campaign risks undermining the unity of the FIA. Our team recognises that there is far more that unites than divides the clubs of the FIA."

Once again, it was not a surprise when October rolled around, the elections took place, and Jean Todt became the new FIA President. We had been backing Vatanen from the start, but Todt's campaign made more and more sense as the weeks passed, and it was clear that Vatanen wasn't quite right for the role. As yet, we don't know whether Todt is the right man either. We will have to wait and see... either way, no more Max.

That is all for this episode of our F1 Advent Calendar. I hope you're enjoying the series so far, feel free to email me your comments at christine at sidepodcast dot com. I will be back tomorrow with Day Sixteen.

The FIA Presidency: Jean Todt vs. Ari Vatanen (Update: Todt Is Elected)

After 16 years in power, today is Max Mosley's final day as president of motor-racing's governing body, the FIA. By the close of play, either Jean Todt or Ari Vatanen will have succeeded him.

A majority vote will be required by a candidate, but from where we're sitting, it does appear that the outcome will favour Todt. If you're interested in the political machinations that seem to forever dominate motorsport, and if you're following the events going on in Paris, then this is the thread to discuss matters.

Update: Jean Todt has secured a majority vote with 135 votes to 49.

Update: FOTA have released a statement welcoming Jean Todt to the FIA Presidency. Chairman Luca di Montezemolo said:

I would like to send my best wishes to Jean Todt in his new role, as I have always appreciated his ability, dedication and commitment. I am sure that, under his guidance, the Federation will be rejuvenated and will restore a climate open to dialogue and constructive collaboration with the teams and FOTA, thus ensuring stability of the regulations and the whole environment.

Update: Maurice Hamilton is suggesting that Jean Todt will likely had the appointment of F1 commissioner to Michael Schumacher.

We will of course post updates as information becomes available.

Daily: 8th October 2009

It's turning out to be quite a difficult week at Sidepodcast HQ, as we stumble from one disaster to the next. That being the case, I would like all comments today to be happy and fluffy. Don't make me start going on about rolling meadows and whiskers on kittens and stuff like that. So, here are some of the things on our minds:

• Thank goodness for Alonso's move to Ferrari being confirmed already, as the driver market has finally opened up. Renault confirmed their new signing of Robert Kubica for 2010 yesterday, and I have a feeling it won't be long before we're looking at the next announcement as well. Is Kubica a good fit for Renault? Discuss on the breakout thread.
• Lukeh has written us a guest post with a great background into how and why he made the Ari Vatanen support video. You can read more about it there, and join in the calls for Lukeh to write some more. Particularly if it's about changing Formula 1 for the better!
• In the last little bit of self-promotion for today, I released the first of a new series of Forgotten F1 Teams yesterday. It's about time we had another mini series, and it seemed right to look back at some of the teams we have lost, as we are currently fighting off more teams than you can shake a stick at. Enjoy yesterday's show and stay tuned for today's.

That'll do it for now. It's Thursday which means we are almost at the end of the week, and that can only be a good thing. I'll see you in the comments.

Uprising

The dreaded FIA elections are drawing closer, and Lukeh has resurrected his video, in support of Ari Vatanen. Here, he explains why he made the video, and the reasons behind his choice of candidate.

As you most probably know by now, by the end of this month the FIA will have a new president in charge - this individual being Ari Vatanen or Jean Todt. The FIA obviously keeps check of all sorts of motorsports away from Formula 1 but as an F1 fan, I feel that Mr Vatanen is the man that can bring the change to an authority that is so often criticised by us fans.

The video that I made gets straight to the point concerning my support and my frustration at what the FIA has turned into. For me to get my point across clearly, I felt it necessary to have the song ‘Uprising’ by Muse (despite my own personal bias towards the band) to highlight the growing tensions and frustrations at the control the FIA have over us and the sport. As fans having a change in who’s in charge could benefit us in a massive way and the video is simply my own personal way of speaking out and supporting change.

"They will not control us". For too long Mr Mosley has seen it in his own will to change rules and change ideas without the fans support and bring in new things that I personally feel have let us F1 fans down. I will happily admit to you reading that I do not know the ins and outs of the politics, the reasons into various changes in F1 at times, and the more technical sides of things, but everything I do know about the FIA and some of the decisions they have made under Mr Mosley have been ridiculous and it is time for a change with Ari Vatanen. We deserve better as Formula 1 fans, and we deserve a sport that we want to see, not a sport that the FIA thinks is best for us.

"They will stop degrading us". No matter how much they plead it, Max Mosley, and the FIA, does not appear to care about the fans. The biggest example has to go towards ticket prices. Why is it, despite their constant promises in the past, that ticket prices are so extortionate? Sure, it is not just Formula 1 and other motorsports seeing ticket prices at a ridiculous level, but when the FIA is so intent on cutting costs, it is still us fans paying the price in more ways than one. Mosley has let the sport down time and time again, and I feel that under Ari Vatanen the FIA can change its ways and take Formula 1 back towards what it should be.

It seems that, to a lot of people who have been following this, that Jean Todt has already won before the results are in later this month and before the election occurs. It would be ignorant to brush aside the fact he does have major support from Mosley and Ecclestone, and he has a very rich history in Formula 1. For me, though, this history is partly the reason why I can’t support Todt. It would also be ignorant to say that Mosley has never done anything good as president – the safety aspect of Formula 1 has been improved to no end under his rule and it’s an area both the FIA and Mosley deserve credit for improving immensely.

However, I honestly feel that the FIA has to take a different direction to succeed after the years of Mosley’s rulings. The frustration at the FIA as it has acted over the past few years led me to making this video and showing my support for Mr Vatanen. It’s straight to the point and it is effective in producing the message I’m trying to reach out with, and with Vatanen’s words closing the video in what he wants to bring to the FIA, it backs up every hope I have for him winning this election.

We all have our own opinions about politics in Formula 1 and I know that there will be people who will object to Ari in the same way I do about Jean Todt’s campaign. The last thing I would want to do is to simply throw down my feelings on any of you and try to force you to agree, this is simply explaining why the video was made and why I personally support Ari’s campaign. I respect what Jean Todt’s manifesto explains and reveals, but I just feel that Ari has the stronger campaign behind him to do what is best for the FIA’s future, and for me, Formula 1’s future.

It’s quite a privilege and a humbling feeling to know that Ari has seen my video and supports the message being portrayed within the small clip that I made, the ultimate compliment for the supportive video. I just hope that, as Mr Vatanen said himself, sense prevails.

We will be victorious.

Daily: 18th September 2009

Yesterday went by without a single breakout thread, which means it must have been relatively quiet in the world of Formula 1. Suddenly, it is Friday, and the end of the week already, which is always a good thing. Here's what we've been talking about:

• Kubica spoke out yesterday, saying he was basically waiting for the Renault hearing before deciding which team his future lies with. This, I think, is the best silly season trail we have so far: Kubica to Williams instead, taking Rosberg's place, who is heading on to Brawn. Are there other trails longer that I have missed?
• If you're looking for a change of pace, I released our first Media Future Change podcast yesterday. It's only short, and if you're interested in anything to do with the media, or the future, or... change, then you might want to check it out.
• Back to F1, though, Ari Vatanen announced his cabinet for his presidential campaign, and for once he wasn't drowned under Renault news. It still didn't emerge with much fanfare though, and I'm starting to worry the member clubs will have forgotten who he is!

That'll do it for today. Let us know what you've got planned for the weekend - aside from listening to 12 hours of Sidepodradio, of course. I'll see you in the comments.

Sir Jackie Stewart Was Asked to Campaign

Sir Jackie Stewart has told Autosport that he was asked by someone within the F1 paddock to run for the FIA Presidency, but he decided against it. According to the article, he says:

"I think that you have to bring in a considerably younger person... My view is that nobody should be taken from the cockpit, the garage or the pitlane from Formula 1 – although I think there is an enormous desire for change."

He also adds that he thinks nothing will change if Todt gets in, whilst Vatanen's chances are looking less and less likely, but would be the better choice. You won't hear any disagreement from us on that score.

Ari Receives Support From Clubs

It looks as though Vatanen's campaign for head of the FIA has received a bit of a boost as several clubs from various countries have pledged their support. Apparently, 14 clubs have declared their views and they are urging others to do the same.

Their letter to other clubs urging them to join the Vatanen fan club reads:

"The unique background of Ari Vatanen includes his years in the European Parliament, to which he was elected from two countries (Finland and France). During his dramatic and successful, humanly touching career in rallying he became a world champion.

"As a spokesman for the federation in the present day world, where media attention and diplomacy with various stake holders is becoming more and more vital, Ari comes across as an ideal candidate for all who want to create a future in the spirit of fair collaboration."

It doesn't mention the future of Sidepodcast, but I think they can read between the lines.

Daily: 21st August 2009

Here we are then, finally we have reached our first Free Practice Friday for about a month. I have already forgotten how to do the Digest, so I'm curious to know if I'll be able to get everything ready throughout today. Anyway, we'll be talking about F1 all day, but here are some of the topics we're already discussing:

• The Ari vs Jean battle continued yesterday, with Jean writing to members and suggesting he wants to increase the transparency of the FIA. This is a constant source of contention so will no doubt go down well. Ari released his own manifesto, and sadly, it didn't seem to have quite as much oomph as the aforementioned candidate. Oh dear.
• Kovalainen has said he isn't worried about the hints that he needs to try harder to retain his seat at McLaren, despite the fact that Rosberg has admitted he would love the chance to try his hand behind the silver car. Heikki doesn't have long left, then?
• Meanwhile, the BMW boys have been thinking about the future, and Kubica admits he was informed about the quitting decision via email. Harsh. He's not too worried, and says now the summer break is over he can start looking around. Heidfeld said he was already in discussions with people, and that will just continue.

That'll do for now. Before you know it, it'll be time for Free Practice and we'll be in the live thread for each session. When there is no action, you can find us here in the daily. I'll see you in the comments.

Daily: 14th August 2009

Friday at last, and it is the final F1 free weekend of the summer break. I know a lot of you are missing the racing, but make the most of the time off and do something exciting. Maybe even go outside? But make sure you stay in touch, it's scary out there. Meanwhil, here's what we're talking about:

• There's plenty of circuit news, as Bernie confirms that Malaysia will be starting an hour earlier, after the race had to be halted this year due to inclement weather. There also seems to be a possibility that Canada will be returning to the calendar soon, which can only be described in one word - woohoo!
• Ari Vatanen has announced his cabinet for the upcoming elections. I don't really know what it means or whether it's good or not, but it is nice to hear from him. He's been a bit on the quiet side recently, with Jean Todt taking all of the headlines. Come on Ari, you can do it!
• Piquet has hit out at Briatore again, suggesting that the Renault boss has no idea about F1. I think this is a bit on the harsh side, but I guess Nelson isn't in the mood for making friends and influencing people. If his future lies in building his own teams, I guess he doesn't need to.

That'll do it for now, I reckon. Let us know if you're doing anything exciting this weekend, and if you're not, let us know what you would want to do if you could do anything over the next two days. I'll see you in the comments.

Daily: 11th August 2009

It is Lucas di Grassi's birthday today. The Brazilian is 25 years old today, and must be sad that the factories are all shut, because it means he won't get a cake. Still, with so many new teams turning up next year, does di Grassi have a shot at a race seat? On that subject:

• US F1 are contemplating signing up Wurz or Pedalo, in the hopes that they can get an experienced driver alongside their American rookie. The question is, which would you rather have? We've had comments on both sides so far, with plenty of people saying neither. Where do you sit on this debate?
• After some sensible words from Jean Todt recently, Ari has finally issued some of his own, but it is simply to say that he is not fighting against Mr T, or Mr M, but that he is concentrating on the plane he has instead. On that front, he should be revealing details on his cabinet very soon.
• Finally, Domenicali has admitted that the new regulations haven't worked at all. I have blogged about this here, because Stefano is not the first member of a team to express disappointment. What do you think?

That'll do it for now. There is still more news in F1 than I was ever expecting for the summer break, so I will have to eat my words about the boringness of these few weeks. I will see you in the comments.