The idea of permanent numbers for teams has gained further momentum following the start of the idea last December. Nic Morley has confirmed that a vote amongst team principals will take place.
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Following the suspension of Karl Beckenbauer for the race in Japan after some of the worst driving seen in motorsport lately, Mathershaw Technology needed a driver to cover.
After some serious negotiations, they have released the following press announcement: 'We have been in a bit of a quandry for what to do following Karl's ban, especially so soon after selling Ivan Lesic, but we have come to an agreement with Bradley Downton and his Downton F1 Team squad, and we are pleased to announce Marcus Thunder will race for us in Japan. We have also come to a commercial agreement, in which we will develop a new windtunnel facility together in Liverpool, and will share the use of our third drivers next season, ensuring we are both in a position to continue to progress at the continued rate.' The deal is believed to have wider reaching effects, as Mathershaw will be paying Downton in the region of a million pounds, the same fee as they received for Ivan Lesic, and after the Japanese Grand Prix, Thunder will be the team's third driver for the remainder of the season, replacing Beckenbauer if he impresses during his opportunity. The other participants in this new deal, Downton, had this to say about the agreement: ’We are very happy to be partaking in this deal with Mathershaw as we definitely feel it will be beneficial for us. Obviously we will lose Marcus for the rest of the season but I think it will be good for him to show what he can do in a good car. Felix Beyer shall return to the car for the rest of the season in his place.’ Following an incident packed Chinese Grand Prix, the Ingram team principal gave news regarding Diego Campos, and his take on the accident.
In a press conference today, Mathershaw was asked how he felt about the comments from Bradley Downton with regards to Karl Beckenbauer and his move in the Chinese Grand Prix after his car failing.
His response was unequivocal: I am appalled by Karl's driving today. First he hits Adrien in the rear after a terrible decision by him, not the first time either. Then, to make things worse, he ignores team instructions to pit to replace the front wing. If I am being honest, that was the final straw anyway. Then, to make things worse yet again he decides to stop the car on the pit straight, turning onto the racing line! I am so disappointed, I want Nic to give him a ban, he deserves one, even if it means we are down to a single driver for the next round after releasing Ivan early. However, I am still strongly of the belief Karl is a magnificent driver on his day, and we hope to give Karl the support he needs to clean up his act, but that doesn't alter what he has already done. Downton F1 team principal Bradley Downton has slammed Mathershaw and Westwood drivers Karl Beckenbauer and Douglas Bacon for 'dangerous' moves that eliminated other drivers from the Chinese Grand Prix. Beckenbauer slowed and turned across the track - in front of Downton driver van Slooten - before being collected by the unfortunate Diego Campos while Bacon missed his braking point at the final corner and eliminated the other Downton of Marcus Thunder from the race. Meteor Motorsport have announced that Gerard Alaniz has ceased operations with the team with immediate effect. Ivan Lesic has stepped in as a replacement.
Shortly after the Chinese Grand Prix qualifying Fun F1 confirmed that Hugh Dwyer will be their second driver next season.
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