Tell a Friend - Bolt from Bernie could kill off F1

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The problem for A1GP is there are plans to package a new GP2 series, won by Lewis Hamilton last year, in the winter along with a 24-car NASCAR-style Speedcar championship and possibly a Formula BMW international series for Asia. The crowds will flock to the Kent circuit this weekend while rumours abound that A1 cannot survive, has yet to establish a foothold in the sporting world and will soon be under threat from Ecclestone’s plans for expansion to aid F1.“We are not taking on F1,” said Teixeira. “We run through the winter months mainly and what Bernie does he will do. “If it came up against us, that would be unfortunate for everyone. Why not cater for 35 countries between us? But I can tell you that we will be around for a long time. We made mistakes in our first year – wrong places, some poor teams, bad promotion – but this season has seen some great crowds to see outstanding racing in places such as Holland, New Zealand, Indonesia and South Africa.“Sure, some circuits are too big for us like Shanghai and Sepang in Malaysia but we now have about 20 countries queueing for us to come to them. Five want streets races, three are willing to build circuits.“Japan, Russia and Portugal want to have teams and next year we will have 25 for sure and possibly 28. “We’re not struggling. We have great TV contracts and we have yet to tap into revenue streams like betting and merchandising. I’m not worried about spending money. I’m in oil and diamond mining. You sink a well, explore, prove the reserves and it will be four to seven years before you start getting something back. That’s how it is. This is no different.”Ecclestone would like to see the GP2 series, won by F1 graduates Nico Rosberg and Hamilton in its two years of existence, expand to a winter series held mainly in Asia. “There is a future for a series which brings in drivers who can step up to F1, that’s my business,” said Ecclestone. “I’m not sure A1 does that. Maybe there is room for a GP3 series which would also provide another road to F1.“I hope things go well for Tony. An awful lot will depend if we get another series running in Asia. Then it would be difficult for them.” Daily Express. http://www.autoracingdaily.com/4537/