Australian GP Boss Dismisses Breakaway Group

Australian Grand Prix boss Ron Walker says he won't be negotiating with organisers of a rival series being planned by major Formula One carmakers, saying the concept is doomed.

GPWC Holdings, which groups the major Formula One carmakers BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault, has announced plans to establish a breakaway series in 2008.

But Walker, the chairman of Formula One's season-opening race in Melbourne, said Australia was contracted to Formula One until 2010 with a further five-year option and had no plans to change.

"We in Melbourne will not be going along with GPWC, we will be continuing our relationship with (Formula One supremo) Mr (Bernie) Ecclestone," Walker told a news conference on Wednesday.

The major carmakers are unhappy with the current division of Formula One's commercial rights, held by the SLEC holding company set up by Ecclestone and controlled by banks.

They have been demanding a greater share of revenues but broke off negotiations with SLEC in April. They are bound by an existing agreement until the end of 2007 but have announced plans to start their own series the following year.

"Frankly, I can't see this getting off the ground," Walker said. "I think there is a conspiracy, if you will, between the motor manufacturers and the banks to try and force Ecclestone to do things that he doesn't want to do.

"This is probably a game of cards at the moment that is intensifying."