2009 Motorhomes/Hospitality Zones

[ESPImperium]

Its a necacary need in F1 now, a illusion of grandjure over the rest of the field.

Vodaphone McLaren-Mercedes


ING Renault F1 Main


ING Renailt F1 Second


BMW Sauber (New for 2009)



Scuderia Ferarri (New for 2009)



Red Bull-Renault & Scuderia Toro Rosso-Ferarri Main


Red Bull-Renault


Panasonic Toyota Racing


Brawn GP


AT&T Williams-Toyota


Force India-Mercedes


FIA


Bridgestone


Bernies??? & Padock view


I think that the small motorhomes and hospitality areas impress me much more than the larger ones. Williams, Brawn and Renaults are the ones i like most. the only big one i like is the Red Bull/STR one.

[roost89]

How are these constructed and then disassembled for transport?

[cba_]

I bet they are ready to cut cost now

[DaveKillens]

Modular components sized to fit on transporters.

[RacingManiac]

Modular components sized to fit on transporters.

Not quite, McLaren's takes a day or 2 to setup and take down before and after the GP weekend...and they have a few flat-bed tractor trailer to haul the extra-bits(the glass fascia, building frame...etc). When I went to UK for Formula Student in 2007 we arrived at Silverstone on a Tuesday to find Mclaren finishing take down the building to go to the next race, with I think 5-6 trailers in total....

Its definitely "extra" from the actual race trucks.

[adamf1]

I agree about preferring the smaller ones. Bridgestone always seem to do a good job. You can state your favourite here too: http://www.f1badger.com/2009/05/campervan too

[vyselegend]

Should I be one of these (underperforming) big teams manager, yelling about huge cost of everything at every occasion, before going back into my five star Palace on the paddock, I would feel so much shame!

This is not only ridiculous, it is totally discrediting them when they come and cry about the necessity cost reductions.

I understand there is a need for a certain level of hospitality, as to please guests VIP & sponsors, but going for a ridiculously sized, complicated design using expensive materials is just the sign of a decider who lives in the enclosed world of rich people.

[GTO]

Apart from Red Bull & maybe Williams, the rest don't seem to have wheelchair accessability.
I agree, their size & complexity are getting ridiculous, like Red Bull which I believe has a swimming pool on top. Whats next, hotel tower incorporated for guests to 'relax & be entertained'.

[safeaschuck]

I know they are expensive, and they look flash but they are only glorified sheds on wheels. It's not like they have really gone over the top compared to what else is involved in a race weekend. I can only imagine how much they would have to pay in hospitality costs if the FIA abolished the use of these units and the teams had to rely on contracted on-site hospitality service companies, and then they wouldn't really have the same level of control on branding and image, which is what P.R. is all about. Either they all get an FIA issue E-Z-up or leave them be, there's a very good reason FIA left promotional costs out of the budget cap.

That's not to say F1 wouldn't be better for those on this forum, including me, if they sacked half the marketing, P.R. and a load of other admin staff it's just realistically this is what it takes to stay as a premier race series now.

[tk421]

Apart from Red Bull & maybe Williams, the rest don't seem to have wheelchair accessability.

That's the first thing I noticed. All the big evil empire teams seem too selfish to think of anyone else The independent teams seem more down to earth, sensible, respectable =D> Just kiddin
but they all should have wheelchair access, that's no joke.

[ISLAMATRON]

I like BMW's use of a flexible material for the canopy.

FIF1's looks like the Taj MAhal of Motorhomes.

McLaren, BMW, Ferrari, STR/RBR, BGP(isnt it Honda's from last year?)are nice...

Renault's, just like their cars, looks like ---.

[grano123]

I wondered if anyone has more photos inside the various F1 hospitality rigs......Renault & Williams in particular, as they seem more *normal* than some of the other monstrosities out there!

[nudger]

i dont know why anyone would get upset about it.
its merely the same principle why a salesman needs to drive a decent car and wear a nice suit.
like it or not, the status you present is important in business. thats the main reason mclaren spent quarter of a billlion pounds on MTC. and who is anyone to say its wrong...they are one of the best funded teams that do not really need to cut any costs. I can see why the man in the street may think its an extravagant waste of money...but then the average man in the street isnt who these structures are made for.

[freedom_honda]

I like BMW's use of a flexible material for the canopy.

FIF1's looks like the Taj MAhal of Motorhomes.

McLaren, BMW, Ferrari, STR/RBR, BGP(isnt it Honda's from last year?)are nice...

Renault's, just like their cars, looks like ---.

Yep. Brawn is using the old Honda motorhome they had from last year.

and i do agree Renault's colour scheme simply doesnt work AT ALL.

[Slife]

Other pictures