Is CVC Eyeing a Bernie Replacement?

[cosworth151]

Could we seeing the beginning of the end for Bernie Ecclestone's reign in F1? Maybe CVC knows more about the German court actions than we do.

AutoWeek is reporting that CVC is contemplating the purchase of IMG media group. This is being viewed as looking to an F1 world after Bernie. However, the paddock consensus has long held that Ecclestone is no great fan of IMG, and compared to other sports, the company's involvement at the top level of motor racing has been relatively limited. That could now change if CVC's bid is successful.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130925/f1/130929870#ixzz2g0jYCPUN

[Scott]

If IMG ends up running FOM, it seems an icky mess of conflicts of interests are ahead for F1.  I would rather see an individual run it, not a faceless, corporation.  Especially one that's first interest is protecting its stockholders. 

[Jericoke]

Never heard of IMG before, but I suspect that if Bernie dislikes them, they may just be the perfect people for the job.

I don't think this reflects on Bernie's chances in court, just reflecting the reality that a business of the magnitude of CVC is required to have (at the very least) plan B in place if there is any possibility of losing key personnel.

[Scott]

http://img.com/home.aspx

They manage Heikki for one thing, and believe it or not, Danica Patrick (Jackie Stewart as well, but I guess they just book speaking gigs for him).  It's bad enough when F1 had people like Flavio negotiating both sides of the deal by being a team principal and managing his own drivers, but to actually have a sports management company running F1 and managing drivers at the same time (don't think their stable won't suddenly blossom once they get their hands on the keys to the kingdom)...sorry, it's just too shadowy.  A company like IMG should be brought in to perhaps do some consulting on the peripheral, but to take an active role in managing the FOM - scary.