JULY 10, 2002
Rob Bain departs Octagon
The timing of Bain's departure is also a sign that this was not a spontaneous move but rather a planned departure and our sources say that it may have more to do with the internal politicking in Octagon than the running of the British GP. Octagon is under scrutiny from its parent company Interpublic at the moment with a review of motorsports, in particular. We hear that in recent months a former employee from the rival IMG has been retained by Octagon to look at the motorsports activities of Octagon and make a report on how the division can improve its financial performance. There was a talk a few weeks ago of a shake-up coming within Octagon and this may be the first sign of that.
Political issues aside, one must salute the achievement of the company in relation to Silverstone and as work begins on a new pit complex and media center we can look forward to next year with even better facilities.
The chances of the race being dropped from the F1 calendar are thus limited and, as Bain pointed out, Octagon does have a contract until 2010.