Mosley gives ultimatum to rebel teams for 2008

Peter Rafferty
Monday 13 February 2006 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Mosley revealed that entry to the 2008 championship would open next month but only for around 10 days. Teams which did not sign up during that time could find themselves replaced by one of several smaller outfits looking to raceif costs were reduced.

Six teams - Ferrari, Williams, Midland F1, Red Bull, Scuderia Torro Rosso and Super Aguri - have already committed to Formula One from 2008. But that leaves the five Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association teams - Renault, Honda, Toyota, McLaren-Mercedes and Sauber-BMW - who have been threatening to set up a rival series when the current Concorde Agreement runs out at the end of 2007.

Mosley is determined to make it possible for an independent team to compete on a level playing field by cutting competitive budgets to about £57m instead of the £143m several teams are spending.

Radical plans to reduce costs will be discussed at the next meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on 22 March. Mosley said: "I honestly believe that, if F1 is to prosper, we have got to get the costs down so the independent teams can survive. What I would dearly like is to get this done and see F1 really set fair and then back right off because it is exhausting."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in