GPMA surprised by Mosley's proposal

Mosley, the head of Formula One's governing body, has suggested that manufacturer-backed teams should be denied any share of the sport's revenues from 2008.

"I believe it would be entirely reasonable to offer the manufacturers that join the Formula One world championship no income," he was quoted as saying on Friday.

An FIA spokesman said Mosley had put his idea to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, but the GPMA said it wasn't in Mosley's place to make such proposals.

"In view of the European Union ruling on the role of the governing body, we are surprised by Mr Mosley's comments," said a GPMA spokesman, referring to a settlement between the European Commission and the FIA.

The FIA agreed in 2001 to limit itself to a regulatory role with no involvement in Formula One's commercial affairs after a lengthy EU anti-trust probe.

"The GPMA remains committed to its strategy and will continue discussions with the commercial rights holder," the GPMA spokesman added.

Mosley's suggestion will be seen by some as a simple manoeuvre to try and push the manufacturers to accept Ecclestone's latest offer.

The car makers - Renault, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota and Honda - are holding out for a greater share of the money, as well as changes to the way the sport is run.

The existing commercial agreement expires at the end of 2007 and only half of the teams, including former champions Ferrari and Williams, have so far agreed new terms.