The features of the Russian autosport culture Like any autosport fan I am very upset about the question why Russia doesn’t have many racers in this kind of competitions and why the country with so many possibilities can’t create its own autosport culture. There’s no point to argue that Formula 1 and other world series are very popular among Russians and we can obviously see that there are many talented pilots and racers who really have a chance to be among the great sportsmen. Of course here are few reasons which don’t even belong to the autosport industry. For the first, note that Russia has much money and many companies and commercial organizations, which can help young drivers to start their career. But it’s important to point that these firms in most cases have an attitude to political structure. It means that their development is controlled by the people from Kremlin. And how it’s known these people don’t want to spend money for unexplored areas, all the more so autosport can’t increase their power or profits. It’s simple corruption, it’s ordinary Russia. For example “Gazprom”, one of the biggest companies in the country, actively supports football teams, because the football area allows to keep the political power and to save the popularity among potential electorate. The second reason why Russia can’t increase its influence in the world autosport industry lays in non-effective business atmosphere. Of course, we can find many small and private companies that are interested in autosport and mainly in Formula 1, but their bosses have no possibilities to enter Europe’s trade platform. To keep the small business in Russia managers have to invest much money in their deals, so finally they simply don’t have any free capitals to support or develop marketing strategies of their companies on the west course. That’s why Russia still can’t guarantee its presence in Formula One. Because practically all Russian racers, which are competing in Europe now, have achieved their wins and progress without any support from government or from big financial concerns. May be the main reason of this situation is that Russia doesn’t have any autosport culture or any autosport history, but in fact India and Malaysia didn’t have these things too. #f1 #autosport #opinion #text #news #russia #europe #politics #sport #money

Kimi Is On Fire No one can even imagine that the new season of formula one world championship will be so unpredictable and so attractive. But that is and it seems that the new championship will be won by another driver. Who it could be? Of course, Kimi Raikkonen. In this year he has really good chances to win his second title and no doubt it makes him one of the most demanded pilot among top teams. For Kimi it's time to make a decision about his future, but in fact, he has only two ways. First of all, he can save his seat in Lotus and, secondly, Raikkonen can replace Mark Webber from Red Bull. If we look at this question from teams' side we can see that for the Finn all doors are open. Of course, obviously, for Kimi it will be better to join Red Bull F1. Austrian team has big resources and the modern technical base with good engineers and specialists. Unlikely, Lotus can't give him a guarantee about a competitive and fast car for the next year. And it is worth to note that the situation is going harder then we can imagine. It's not the secret that in 2014 Formula One will have massive technical update which will demand big investments. Probably, private teams can't find so much money or sponsors to cover all expenses. In this case Red Bull is given very strong advantage. To tell the truth, Lotus doesn't have even a title sponsor. Many of mass media periodically report about non-guarantee financial future of enstone's team. But on the other hand, can we really suggest that Red Bull could build a fast car? Of course, no. And this season shows us it graphically and probably. Lotus has built the car that can win races, takes poles and, what is the main thing, this car can save tyres better then any other team. If Pirelli will take a new contract with formula 1 the situation with tyres in any case will be saved. At this point Lotus looks more perspective for Kimi. But may be there is the third way? Does Raikkonen wanna return to Rally? No, no, no. Just leave him alone. He knows what he's doing. #f1 #autosport #sport #kimiraikkonen #redbull #lotus #future #pirelli #news #finland #2014