F1 Has Failed Ford, Says Stoddart

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart is sure his team will be on the grid in 2005 despite Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone questioning the future of the struggling squad.

Ecclestone said on Thursday in China he thought there would be less then 10 teams next season after Jaguar and engine maker Cosworth, who supply both Minardi and Jordan, were put up for sale by Ford.

Stoddart, however, has said Minardi have engines for 2005 and that there is no doubt of their presence at the start of next year. The Australian was also critical of Formula One, saying that it was the sport which had failed Ford and not the other way around.

"This week's news, however, concerning the withdrawal of Ford and Jaguar Racing from the World Championship has shaken the sport to its core," said Stoddart. "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, and 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, but F1 that has failed Ford and Cosworth."