The gloves are off as Max says no money for manufacturers

03/02/2006

According to reports, manufacturer backed teams will receive no revenue from the sport's commercial rights from 2008… if Max Mosley has his way.

At a time when it appeared that a compromise between the manufacturers - five of which are behind the proposed breakaway (GPMA) series - might be possible, the situation is sure to be reignited following, FIA President, Max Mosley's comments to the British media.

"I believe it would be entirely reasonable to offer the manufacturers that join the Formula 1 World Championship no income," he told the Evening Standard on Friday.

With Ferrari, WilliamsF1, Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Midland having signed up to the new Concorde Agreement, Mosley has recommended to the sport's commercial rights holder, Bernie Ecclestone, that he scrap the current income sharing deal with the teams owned by BMW, Mercedes, Renault, Toyota and Honda.
Reaction from the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) wasn't long in coming.

"In view of the EU ruling on the role of the Governing Body, we are surprised by Mr. Mosley's comments," said a spokesperson. "GPMA remains committed to its strategy and will continue discussions with the Commercial Rights Holder."

Therefore we can surmise that despite recent claims that a deal was close at hand, the gloves are off once again.