Pup wrote:Agreed, if there really is a sponsor trying to choose between the two, Lotus' complete meltdown over the past month will have made the decision for them.
Of course, Dennis would know that would strengthen his position, and would toughen his negotiating stance accordingly.
Complete meltdown for me is fifth place, no podiums, losing technical director before the season and usually fighting for places 8-12, 1,5 seconds (or whatever) behind leaders. That's 2013 reality and what will happen in 2014 is unknown except for change of team principal, one rookie driver, one driver past his best and general transition season before change of engine supplier. Disadvantage of not being engine manufacturer is similar. As for losing personnel McL had their fair share over the previous seasons: Fry and others to Ferrari, Lowe etc., they also lost Santander, Vodafone and other sponsors.
Can't comment on logic and requirements of potential sponsors - McLaren may be a better option (Honda deal- strength on financial and engine exclusivity level, overall better financial position) but it's far from a no-brainer. If it were - the deal would already have happened. Quality of Honda engine compared to competitors is unknown and they may be behind in 2015. Argument from previous post about space on the car is bizarre - did you notice big Genii sign on side-pods? Space on the car for sponsors is the least of Lotus' problems. Imagine that someone offers them +10 million and they say - sorry we don't have space, we like Genii sign better
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As for high bargaining position of McLaren/Dennis because of Lotus situation delaying a deal - I doubt that's the case, they may not need money immediately but it's not like sponsors are tripping over each other to get to F1, especially big sponsors. To be honest I'm not convinced Lotus and McL are "fighting" for one particular sponsor. What's the evidence, speculation from one Amus article?