Formula One Features — March 2002

I was once told by Tim Parnell, BRM team manager in the early 1970s, that meetings of the F1 Constructors' Association could be childlike to the point of disbelief. "We spend the first half an hour debating whether or not to have the window open," said Tim, "and then the next half hour arguing over whose pen it is."

Ten years ago a company called Motor Marketing International Inc. issued a press release announcing plans for the Marlboro Grand Prix of New York, the first automobile race to be held on the streets of New York City.

With each passing year there seem to be more men in suits in the Formula 1 paddocks. Some of them are bodyguards, cruising along become politicians, but most are lawyers and bankers. Now car manufacturers are becoming increasingly involved. But who owns what? And who are the powers behind the thrones?

As the world slips further into recession, and the bottom lines of the major automobile manufacturers turn from black to red, one question being asked in their Boardrooms is: "How long is it going to take (at $1?2?300m/year, straight out of the bottom line) to win the World Chanmpionship?"