By Huw Alban
December 19 2005

Yesterday we were made aware of a scathing attack launched at the Midland F1 team by a web based Belgian outlet. Whilst some of the claims were wild to be sure, we did think it wise to check with our sources at Midland in order to prepare a response and set the record straight As a fan of Formula One who has chosen to follow this team as it builds an identity and grows into a competitive team I have to first show you this. In reponse to a general query about the Belgian article's content I received this sentence:

"The results will speak for themselves and our fans, our partners and the media will soon be aware of the significant investment made toward the team’s development."

If I ever needed proof that this organisation has the potential and the will to be a successful force in Formula One then I have it there in those 27 words. These words should become a slogan for this site because it is this that Midland F1 Online stands for and I, for one, feel very proud at this moment to be following this team and be able to share that enthusiasm with you all.

As for the claims made by f1world.be I have been told that, "the M16 car is a brand new car, down to the smallest screw," something that we alluded to yesterday based on what we already know.

The interesting fact, for me certainly, was the budget claims. "It is impossible to compete in Formula One on a budget of $15 million or even twice that amount, for that matter," we have been told this evening, which I have to admit that even I didn't appreciate.

In addition the "tripe" thown at Colin Kolles has been utterly and completely denied (whilst my source nursed aching ribs for laughing so much).

Unfortunately there was one piece of information that f1world.be did get right. "We can confirm that Annouck Heinrichs is no longer with the team and that until such time as a new Press Officer is announced, all media inquiries may be directed to press@midandf1.com."

I have to be honest that I have spent the last 4 hours deliberating over how to answer these Belgian claims and defend Midland's corner armed with the correct facts. I've also spoken with BigPip and chewed it over with him (whilst I was doing my grocery shopping, after all this is the age of multi-tasking is it not ?).

I don't want people to read tripe and "ridiculous allegations" - I want them to read that first quote at the top of this story and believe in this organisation to such an extent that any fabrication of little known facts is ignored. Is that too much to ask ? What will it take for the media across the world to forget what HAS happened and look to what COULD happen if Midland do the right thing and get the right people on board ? Are they forgetting the rich and successful heritage that this team has to build on ? Does the media realise the disrespect they are showing to the team that was Jordan and the rich qualities that this team brought to the sport of Formula One ?

I do, I care...