Minardi boss Paul Stoddart has said that F1 failed Jaguar, whilst also taking a neat swipe at Bernie Ecclestone, who over the last week has said that it wouldn't be so bad if the Milton Keynes outfit, together with Minardi and Jordan, was missing from the grid in 2005.

"This week's news, concerning the withdrawal of Ford and Jaguar Racing from the World Championship has shaken the sport to its core," said the Australian. " As a result, there continues to be much speculation concerning the future of F1's independent teams, notably Minardi and Jordan, which rely on Ford-owned subsidiary, Cosworth Racing, for their engine supplies.

"Despite unfounded comments from some quarters to the contrary, Minardi has an engine for 2005, and there is no doubt whatsoever that the team will be lining up in Melbourne for the start of the 2005 F1 season.

"That said, our sincere best wishes go to all our colleagues at Jaguar Racing and Cosworth Racing," he continued, "we wish them every success in their quest to find a buyer over the coming months.

"It is not Ford and Cosworth that have failed F1," he added, "but F1 that has failed Ford and Cosworth."