From GMM
Marc Surer, a Swiss grand prix driver of the between 1979 and 1986 has issued a damning appraisal of formula one's powerbrokers Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley.
The 57-year-old, today a German-language television pundit and commentator, told the Swiss car magazine Automobil Revue that he thinks Ecclestone, F1's long time chief executive, has now passed "his zenith".
"In the beginning, when he began taking money for the delivery of races, he fought also for formula one. Today it seems nearly completely about the money," Surer said.
He is most scathing about the 78-year-old billionaire's recent tendency to replace customary grand prix hosts with those of "sheikhs".
Surer is also critical of Max Mosley, president of the FIA since 1993; particularly his ideas about how to contain costs in F1.
"When I hear about Mosley's plans, I think the FIA should not be designing the cars.
"It is not for them to prescribe how an engine should perform and make everyone use the same transmission. I hope F1 does not move towards being a spec-series because I think the interest would reduce."
Surer also said he thinks the stewards hand down too many penalties to the drivers.
"Formula one should be about action, and overtaking is already difficult enough without punishing it when it happens."
photo:WRI2
Marc Surer, a Swiss grand prix driver of the between 1979 and 1986 has issued a damning appraisal of formula one's powerbrokers Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley.
The 57-year-old, today a German-language television pundit and commentator, told the Swiss car magazine Automobil Revue that he thinks Ecclestone, F1's long time chief executive, has now passed "his zenith".
"In the beginning, when he began taking money for the delivery of races, he fought also for formula one. Today it seems nearly completely about the money," Surer said.
He is most scathing about the 78-year-old billionaire's recent tendency to replace customary grand prix hosts with those of "sheikhs".
Surer is also critical of Max Mosley, president of the FIA since 1993; particularly his ideas about how to contain costs in F1.
"When I hear about Mosley's plans, I think the FIA should not be designing the cars.
"It is not for them to prescribe how an engine should perform and make everyone use the same transmission. I hope F1 does not move towards being a spec-series because I think the interest would reduce."
Surer also said he thinks the stewards hand down too many penalties to the drivers.
"Formula one should be about action, and overtaking is already difficult enough without punishing it when it happens."
photo:WRI2