fongu Wrote:
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> post some interesting facts :P
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> Nice work on the Forti, Tony
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>
O.K Fongu! Here's a tidbit for you. Minardi was almost prevented from taking part in the 95 French Grand Prix by legal action taken by then Benetton team Chief Flavio Briatore for alleged non payment of leasing fees in 93-94 for the Cosworth Ford HB engine. Briatore had financial interests in the engine supplying company to which the debt was owed. It was speculated at the time that this action was taken because Minardi was then currently suing Mugen Honda for welching on a deal to supply its V-10's to power their car, instead Mugen signed a deal with the Ligier squad. Minardi was foreced to make extensive modifications to their cars in 95 to enable them to run a V8 instead of the Mugen V10.
Briatore apparently hoped Minardi would drop their court case in exchange for him doing the same. (Don't know why he would be concerned about Ligier though. More politics?)
The Minardi transporter and mobile home were actually locked up by authorities for Thursday practice, and only a ruling by a local judge allowed Minardi to race that weekend.
Seems Flav was playing hardcore politics even in 95!
"There are some pikeys there at Turn 10 putting tarmac down - what do you think of that?" - Martin Brundle
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/07/2006 01:51AM by Jagdpanzer.