Sports Cap
Formula 1’s 2009 Budget Cap and Its Effect on Team Performance and Cost Cutting
The season of 2008 has witnessed astounding growth in Formula 1 auto racing. With the addition of two new circuits including Valencia, Spain and Singapore, we have seen a tight championship being fought by talented young drivers. For those of you not familiar with the format of F1, there are currently ten teams consisting of two drivers each. Each team also contains engineers, designers, test drivers, principles, pit crews, and many other staff members who make it possible to bring the teams together every couple of weeks from March to November.
Now that Lewis Hamilton has snatched the crown from the hands of Felipe Massa, teams and fans are looking towards next season; a whole new batch of regulations and a couple of new faces. One regulation seems to be more and more common is sporting these days, and that is the idea of budget caps.
In order to compete in this sport, there needs to be A LOT of money behind each team. When I say “A LOT,” I mean these ten teams have well over $3 billion in resources at their disposal! The stats also indicate that the more money a team has, the better the team will perform.
However, with a proposed budget cap and the top teams sharing notes, how will the championship look in 2009?
2008 ended with Ferrari retaining the Constructors championship receiving 171 points. McLaren-Mercedes was the runner up (151 points) and BMW Sauber came in third (135 points). These three teams alone account for 65% of the total constructor points distributed. These teams, incidentally, have a massive amount of resources established with a combined 40% of the total of the 10 teams. In 2009, the goal of the budget cap should be to bring more competition to the sport and allow for the lesser financed teams to compete for the championship as well.
Also, let us not forget that the world is in a global economic crisis. A sponsor may spend up to $50 million to put their name on a top ranking Formula 1 car but it may be difficult for some organizations to spare the cash. During volatile times, the first thing organizations cut back on is advertising. Ad revenue represents 80-85% of the teams’ total income and when that is pared down, the teams may struggle to come up with enough resources to maintain current spending.
The budget cap’s economic benefit, of course, is to cut down on costs. This is going to create a greater opportunity for the sport to innovate and come up with cost saving measures while maintaining performance. For example, a major part of a team’s budget is the engine. In 2008, teams were required to use an engine for two race weekends in a row; if they switch out an engine against regulations, they must take a penalty. The regulation is revised in 2009 so that engines must be used for three weekends in a row. BMW Sauber says “this change to the regulations is intended to reduce costs in Formula One. On the other hand, the FIA wants to challenge and promote technical reliability among the teams.”
Teams will be challenged to come up with new technology and even more reliable components for their cars.
An addition already in effect is the standardization of electronic control units which controls the components of the engine. ECUs are manufactured by an FIA approved supplier and can only be used with approved software. Since teams are provided with ECUs and don’t have to develop their own, the expenditure has been greatly reduced. Gearboxes have also been provided in the same fashion, decreasing those team costs as well.
In this time of uncertainty, the FIA as well as the teams would be acting prudently by instituting budget caps and lowering costs to make the sport more competitive. More competition is good for the sport because it could allow for more teams to enter the sport and bring in a larger fan base. I was quite disappointed when the United States Grand Prix was removed from the Formula 1 calendar, but with lower costs, it may be possible for more teams to enter the sport and bring it back to America.
About the Author
|
|
92-95 Dodge Viper OEM Green Sport Cap Roof $999.99 |
|
|
97-02 Viper RT/10 Yellow Convertible Roof Top Sport Cap $999.99 |
|
|
92-95 Dodge Viper OEM Unpainted Sport Cap Roof $899.99 |
|
|
Truck Cap Fibrobec Sport Lid Ford 1997 & Up 6′ Sb Red $755.00 |
|
|
ANDRÉ LADIES REAL MINK FUR NEWSBOY SPORT BALL HAT / CAP $569.00 |
|
|
Dodge Viper Sport Cap Pad RT10 Convertible Used $499.99 |
|
|
08 DUCATI SPORT CLASSIC 1000 LOCK SET GAS CAP KEYS $499.99 |
|
|
Dodge Viper Sport Cap Pad RT10 Convertible Used GEN1 93 $499.99 |
|
|
HONDA CBR600F4I Sport SCORPION EXHAUST Race End Cap $449.38 |
|
|
HONDA CBR600F4I Sport SCORPION EXHAUST Race End Cap $449.38 |
|
|
Polar Sport Off-Road ATV Trailer – 1500-Lb. Cap. – NEW $399.99 |
|
|
Polar Sport Off-Road ATV Trailer – 1200-Lb. Cap. – NEW $369.99 |
|
|
Cummins 8.3 Caps Fuel Sys Power Puck Performance Module $349.00 |
|
|
1961 61 Impala SS Hub Cap Spinner Assembly Super Sport $322.95 |
|
|
1962 62 Impala SS Hub Cap Spinner Assembly Super Sport $322.95 |
|
|
1961 Chevrolet super sport hub caps $285.00 |
|
|
1978-1982 Corvette Baldwin Motion/Grand Sport fuel cap $279.95 |
|
|
Genuine 2007 Honda ELEMENT SC Sport Spoiler Caps OEM $264.99 |
|
|
1963-1967 Corvette Baldwin Motion/Grand Sport fuel cap $259.95 |
|
|
96 Corvette NOS GM 9592388 Grand Sport Center Caps Set $249.00 |
|
|
1962 Chevrolet super sport hub caps $228.00 |
|
|
ST JOHN SPORT BLACK/FROST CAP SLEEVE BELTED DRESS S NWT $224.95 |
|
|
MOPAR NOS 1966 PLYMOUTH SPORT FURY HUB CAP Part#2781540 $200.00 |
|
|
DUCATI SPORT CLASSIC PAUL SMART IGNITION GAS CAP KEY $189.99 |
|
|
VW Volkswagen Pedal Caps, SPORT Set M/T $185.73 |
|
|
VW Pedal Caps, SPORT Set M/T 1K1-064-200 $185.73 |
|
|
VW Volkwagen Pedal Caps SPORT Set A/T $175.73 |
|
|
COMMODORE VR VS CLUB SPORT MAGS & CAPS 3 ONLY $169.69 |
|
|
96 97 98 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SPORT REAR BUMPER W/END CAP 3PC $165.85 |
|
|
NEW! Polar Sport Cub Trailer-37in L x 27in W 600-Lb Cap $159.95 |
|
|
Porsche Sport Aluminum Gas Cap $155.00 |
|
|
Porsche Sport Aluminum Gas Cap $155.00 |
|
|
1984 ‘84 CADILLAC CIMARRON SPORT STEERING WHEEL+ CAP $149.99 |
|
|
PORSCHE Sport Gas Cap NEW $149.99 |
|
|
67 1967 68 1968 NOS CAMARO RS RALLY SPORT FUEL GAS CAP $149.99 |
|
|
NEW! Polar Sport Cub Trailer-37inL x 27inW-600-Lb Cap!! $149.95 |
|
|
2008 SUZUKI DR650 DR 650 DUAL SPORT FUEL GAS TANK & CAP $149.95 |
|
|
VW Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen Sport Pedal Caps M/T $143.00 |
|
|
VW Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen Sport Pedal Caps A/T $143.00 |
|
|
SPORT METAL REVOLVER CAP $139.99 |
|
|
SPORT METAL CAP # 89-9209 $139.99 |
|
|
1 New – 20 Pocket Sports Cap Floor Spinner Display Rack $139.95 |
|
|
1 New – 20 Pocket Sports Cap Floor Spinner Display Rack $139.95 |
|
|
Wholesale Lot x12 Baby Safety Helmet Hat Cap Sport New $137.62 |
|
|
Boss Wheel Center Cap Chrome $135.00 |
|
|
1 New – 12 Tier Sport Cap Tower Hat Rack Display $134.95 |
|
|
Range Rover / Sport Genuine Supercharged Center Cap Set $129.99 |
|
|
71 – 84 BUICK 15″ SPORT WHEEL CENTER CAPS SET $129.99 |
|
|
Deflecta Shield Sport Bed Cap 1999-2007 Chevy Silverado $129.98 |
|
|
Deflecta Shield Sport Cap Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra $129.98 |
|
|
Deflecta Shield Sport Cap Dodge Ram 1994-2001 $129.98 |
|
|
1 New – 12 Tier Sport Cap Tower Hat Rack Display $129.95 |
|
|
1 New – 12 Tier Sport Cap Tower Hat Rack Display $129.95 |
|
|
1966 CHEVY NOVA SUPER SPORT DASH CAP $127.95 |
|
|
Good Sports Art NY Mets Bat Cap and Ball Lithograph $124.99 |
|
|
Good Sports Art NY Mets Bat Cap and Ball Lithograph $124.99 |
|
|
NWT MISSONI SPORT CAP SLEEVE PULLOVER SHIRT sz 12 46 $120.00 |
|
|
SPORT METAL CAP # 89-9265 SIX LUG $120.00 |
|
|
KELLENERS SPORT WHEEL CAP $119.99 |
|
|
1 New – 4 Tier Rotating Sport Cap Floor Display Rack $119.95 |
|
|
Deflecta Shield Sport Cap 1995-2001 Dodge Short Bed $109.98 |
|
|
Deflecta Shield Sport Cap 1998-1997 Chevy and GMC $109.98 |
|
|
CAP 232 SPORTS PLANE 25-40 NITRO or EFLITE ELEC~! L@@K $105.99 |
|
|
1964 64 Plymouth Sport Fury Spinner HubCaps Hub Caps-2 $100.00 |
|
|
KELLENERS SPORT (V SPORT) WHEEL CENTER CAP PART# 073 $100.00 |
|
|
KELLENERS SPORT (K SPORT) WHEEL CENTER CAP PART# 045 $100.00 |
|
|
BOSCO SPORT RUSSIA OLYMPIC TEAM CAP VANCOUVER 2010 $100.00 |
|
|
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT CHROME CENTER CAPS BLACK $99.99 |
|
|
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT CHROME CENTER CAPS GREEN $99.99 |
|
|
144 Khaki Gereen Bill Baseball Hat Sports Cap Youth NEW $99.99 |
|
|
144 Khaki Blue Bill Baseball Hat Sports Cap Youth NEW $99.99 |
|
|
144 Adult Ladies Womans Sports Hats Caps Colors NEW $99.99 |
|
|
144 Florida Embossed Sports Caps Hat Adjust Colors NEW $99.99 |
|
|
144 Adult Corduroy Sports Caps Hats Blank Adj NEW RED $99.99 |
|
|
144 Adult Corduroy Sports Caps Hats Adj NEW NAVY BLUE $99.99 |
|
|
144 Adult Corduroy Sports Caps Hats Adj NEW SKY BLUE $99.99 |
|
|
144 Adult Corduroy Sports Caps Hats Blank Adj NEW BROWN $99.99 |
|
|
144 Sports Caps Blue Mesh Trucker Hat Adult Adjust NEW $99.99 |
|
|
ARMANI SKIRTS&CAP HAT NEW sports and beach. NEW $99.00 |
|
|
Fiat 124 SPORT,CABRIOLET,COUPE,Hub Caps ORIGINAL USED $98.50 |
|
|
Kellener Sport Wheel Chrome Custom Wheel Center Cap (1) $90.00 |
|
|
Robert Graham CAP FERRAT Stunning Sport Shirt NWT-2XL $89.99 |
|
|
NOVA SUPER SPORT 1966 NEW MOLDED DASH COVER CAP $89.95 |
|
|
NOVA SUPER SPORT 1966 NEW MOLDED DASH COVER CAP $89.95 |
|
|
ST JOHN SPORT GOLD METALLIC CAP SLEEVE RIBBED TOP SZ S $89.95 |
|
|
16″ MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT 2004 MACHINED WHEEL CAP 04 $89.00 |
|
|
WHOLESALE LOT 50 men HATS Caps RETAIL VALUE sport Cap $88.99 |
|
|
WHOLESALE LOT 50 sport men HATS Caps Cap RETAIL VALUE $88.99 |
|
|
6542 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT OEM WHEEL 15″ RIM CAP 97 1997 $88.00 |
|
|
BADGLEY MISCHKA Cadet Golf Newsboy Hat Sports Ball Cap $87.00 |
|
|
BADGLEY MISCHKA Cadet Golf Newsboy Hat Sports Ball Cap $87.00 |
|
|
4 x HEALTH PLUS Super Colon Cleanse Sport 300 Caps $86.15 |
|
|
New Vortex Chrome Gas Cap Base for Honda Sport Bikes $84.99 |
|
|
New Vortex Chrome Gas Cap Base for Yamaha Sport Bikes $84.99 |
|
|
1 New – 12 Pocket Sports Cap Counter Spinner Display $84.95 |
|
|
1 New – 12 Pocket Sports Cap Counter Spinner Display $84.95 |
|
|
KELLERNERS SPORT CHROME CENTER CAP/INTRA 073 $80.00 |
|
|
1965 CHEVROLET SUPER SPORT HUBCAPS/HUB CAPS $80.00 |
|
|
78-80-82-, Mustang GT,Sport Steering Wheel center cap $79.99 |
|
|
1 New – Black 6 Tier Sport Cap Tower Hat Rack Display $79.95 |
|
|
CAP SHAPER The Cap Washing Aid $3.99 Safely clean ball caps without wrinkling them! Now you can safely wash your favorite ball caps in the washing machine or even in an empty dishwasher, without destroying its shape. No more dirty ball caps, just place them in the Cap Shaper, throw them in your washing machine, and presto good as new. Good for ball caps, visors and wool caps as well… |
|
|
Stanley Classic Universal Replacement Cap $5.79 This cup will fit any bottle made after 2001. Fits 1.1 quart and 1 2 gallon bottles. Stainless steel with green rim…. |
|
|
New York Giants Fiber Reactive Pool/Beach/Bath Towel (Team Color) $14.95 Our Fiber Reactive Towel is Great for the Pool, Beach or Bath! Our designs boast exteme, colorfast Team Graphics feturing your Favorite Team. This towel is 100% cotton and mesures 30″x60″…. |
|
|
The Spirit of Cal; 1970 Vinyl LP VINYL LP!!!!….NOT A CD……1970 USA private pressing on Fidelity Sound recordings label 1257…….HAIL TO CALIFORNIA FANFARE/FIGHT FOR CALIFORNIA/SONS OF CALIFORNIA—–PALMS OF VICTORY—–TOAST TO CALIFORNIA—–CALIFORNIA INDIAN SONG—–ROLL ON YOU GOLDEN BEAR—–FIGHT EM—–HAIL TO CALIFORNIA—–STANFORD JONAH—–MAKE WAY FOR THE BEAR——CALIFORNIA WE’RE FOR YOU BIG C——CAL DRINK… |
|
|
Primos Mastering The Art Waterfowl Call $1.95 Primos Mastering The Art-Waterfowl Instructional Hunting DVD Learn how to Master The Art of waterfowling through Team Primos’ most powerful hunting tool – calling. Practice along with us as we teach you the fundamentals and advanced techniques on duck and goose calling. The most comprehensive waterfowl calling instructional we have ever put together. Features: 3 Duck Hunts 2 Lessons on how to mas… |
|
|
Charlie Rose with Richard Ravitch & Donald Fehr; Mike Lupica & Murray Chass (August 1, 1994) First, Richard Ravitch, the chief negotiator for the owners, and Donald Fehr, Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association give their viewpoints on the baseball strike. Then, Mike Lupica, a columnist for New York Newsday and Esquire, and writer Murray Chass of The New York Times discuss the strike.This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.co… |
|
|
Primos The Truth 16 Big Bucks Call $2.95 3 Hours, 30 Hunts. Every year the Primos Team looks forward to bringing you the fun and excitement of hunting whitetail deer. There is just nothing like it. The TRUTH 16 takes you across the US and Canada for a great adventure in pursuit of those BIG Buck… |
|
|
Racor PBH-1R Ceiling-Mounted Bike Lift $16.52 It’s a terrific way to use unused space with ease and safety. Unique rope locking mechanism prevents accidental release. Ingenious design lightens the load for easy lifting. For use on ceilings up to 14′ load capacity 50 lb. Solid steel construction with… |
|
|
Gerber 07400 DET Multi-Plier 600 with Blasting Cap Crimper $83.99 MULTI-PLIER, 600 DET, BOX… |
|
|
Pachmayr A Zoom 22 Rimfire Action Dummy Rounds Ct 12 $9.99 NOT snap caps, but functional dummies. Same size as .22LR. For use in gun testing and shooter training. Precision CNC machined from solid aluminum, hard anodized. Loads in magazine just like real ammo…. |