While I agree that Ferrari's corporate objectives supersede
the fans' sporting interests, I believe that in Austria Ferrari did not
recognise where their LONG TERM corporate interests lie.
One of the major reasons they go racing is to build the Ferrari brand image
(to sell more cars and merchandise at higher prices than they could with a
weaker brand). They don't just race for its own sake. The intense negative
reaction of a predominantly German crowd, dressed in Ferrari gear, at the
sight of a German Ferrari driver winning the race, tells me that were Ferrari
to persist in such tactics they would damage the very brand image they are
trying to build and strengthen.
Simply winning races and championships is only a short term goal. Long term,
the way they are won will matter to many potential customers. Obviously it
will take a long time to damage such a strong brand, but I believe Ferrari's
failure to pull Rubens over at the Nurburgring (even discreetly) suggests they
have heeded the "marketing lesson" from Austria - David F. - Australia (Reference Heretic 4-13 -
Confusing corporate objectives with sport)
The Heretic replies:
Sorry it took me so long to reply but it certainly looks
as if team orders have been put on hold at Ferrari (possibly until next year).
Over the balance of the year we will see how good Barrichello really is.
