John,
May I call you John or should I stoop to your level and reel off a stream of insults (and believe me, I could hit you with a torrent of adjectives that would make the "Osbournes" show look like a Kids program).
Luckily, or unluckily depending on ones view, I live near a community of Dutch descendents so can forgive you for your rantings as you have no control over the genes you inherited.
But, before you jump on your own Dictitorial Horse, go back and read my post, furthermore learn a little of the workings of the FIA. Yes, I was defending Richards. While he may be a driving force in change, he is only one voice. Maybe in your house, one voice (especially if it is yours) constitutes a majority but Richards is bound by tight controls from an Astute FIA Rally Commission in his dealings for TV Rights.
Richards is only one voice on the Manufacturers Association. Do you honestly think that a representative from ONE Team is going to turn the sport to that teams advantage????? The other Manufacturers are just going to hand it to him???? Five years ago there were three Manufacturers competing in WRC, by this year that figure has doubled!!!
Why??? The old format was a Dinosaur, for the sport to survive,let alone flourish changes had to be made. Teams were spending up to US$200 million a year for a campaign to be competitive. The sport may be huge worldwide but still couldn't support such investments.
If you have a problem with the changes, go to the FIA, start at the top with Max Moseley, then the Rally Commission, then the Manufacturers Association, then the members of whom Richards is just one individual. If you have a problem with his dealings in the TV Rights, boycott Speed Channel but you will be one of the minority if you think his involvement in the TV Rights has been a step backwards.
As far as my observations of price increases go for spectating at the RAC are concerned, READ MY POST AGAIN. It wasn't directed at the true fan, the rally fanatics!!! I mentioned only the casual viewer, the drunk hooligans and disruptive elements. I don't tolerate them in any sport so if that makes me "Haughty", then I'm proud to be and in turn, a few rungs higher up the social interaction ladder than you.
It is unfortunate that prices increase however, I don't wear blinkers and can understand the reasoning. It is unfortunate spectators wont have the freedom to view a stage where they like but I understand the reasoning. Private land owners aren't as passionate about the sport as some of us and object to throngs of people stomping over their property. For the preservation of the sport, these people have to be kept happy so the future use of roads is assured. But, as I said in my post, these changes could all backfire. It only takes a few narrowed minded individuals to ruin it for the majority.
So, before you blame Richards, the FIA, the Organisers and every other innocent party for the increases, perhaps you should look at the source.........The disruptive elements in the past that have created the present situation. And note!!!! not once did I mention Car Club Enthusiasts from Cheshire!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't expect everyone to agree with me in this forum, I enjoy the interaction but if you just want to stoop to personlised attacks in an attempt to bring me down to your level then I'll just sweep your comments under the rug where they can keep Jens' rantings company.
Don Roberts (Mister to JV)