Abiteboul hits out at 'B-team' advantages
- Published on 15 Mar 2019 05:24
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Renault managing director says that Formula 1's current B-team situation is a problem for it, using Toro Rosso as a prime example.
Toro Rosso is Red Bull's junior team, and this year is using many parts from its sister squad, including the rear end and the front suspension.
Abiteboul questioned how it has been able to show strong pace over winter testing despite not having a technical director for much of 2018 following the departure of James Key, who will soon take on duties at McLaren.
"Just look at Toro Rosso, who in my opinion are likely to be the team to beat as far as we’re concerned for the start of the season given where we are,” said Abiteboul.
“Toro Rosso had no technical director for most of last season. It’s very clear what went on. So we don’t even need a technical director to produce what is a very competitive car. For us that’s a problem.”
Abiteboul has warned F1 that if it doesn't take measures to avoid encouraging B-team situations, no new manufacturers will join the grid in the coming years.
"There was a before and after Haas that has created a precedent. I’m not challenging, but I’m just saying how do we move forward for teams like us, like McLaren, like Williams?
“But also how does a manufacturer that’s currently not in Formula 1 that wants to join Formula 1, how is it they will seriously contemplate reaching Formula 1 if it’s not possible to win without a B-team?
“For me that’s a strategic question we have to consider for the discussion for 2021. For ’19 and ’20 that’s gone now, we are gone with that type of set-up. But for 2021 I hope everyone realises how serious a question it is.”
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Replies (6)
Login to replyRam Samartha
Posts: 1,172
New day, same story. Of course he's concerned about it, until F1 brings in a new team who wants Renault parts.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
In short: we dpn't have a B-team, therefore it isn't good.
michielhimself
Posts: 132
Just watch how Renault becomes McLaren's B-team this year under this man's "leadership" ?
xoya
Posts: 583
Renault should try making a deal with McLaren and Williams to mount a challenge for top three together.
Between them, they should have enough experience and money to make it a viable strategy. Only question would be who would take the top spot.
I think that Williams would settle for third given where they are now, but McLaren and Renault would be another story altogether.
This is far fetched anyhow, but a man can have his dreams. :)
boudy
Posts: 1,168
I Agree with him in as much that B-teams are an issue. This was the case the years before and it's only getting worse for independent team.
There are a number of issues which don't sit right with me like drivers being waived by worse giving them an advantage by going offline for them but staying on line for their competitors.
I think that an independence rule has to be created. This rule should state teams can use parts of other F1 teams but can not give any advantage (during any session) to those respective teams.
The R
boudy
Posts: 1,168
The Force Indias (mostly Ocon) were used by Mercedes in an strategic manor so RBR engaging STR seems only logical.
The issue is with the FIA and not the teams themselves. However Renault seems to be focussed on RBR at the moment. If they get beaten by their B-team it would look pretty bad for them.