Dennis 'delighted' over Stoddart's deal

Dennis was speaking on Sunday in Canada, two days after he and Minardi boss Paul Stoddart starred in the public press conference spat over the F1 'fighting fund.'

"It's an interesting twist," said Dennis. "A very elegant solution to a very difficult situation. I'm delighted for Paul and I applaud Bernie for managing to do one of those things I have rarely seen him do - and that is put his hand in his pocket!

"Overall it's good for everybody. The Friday conference was not a particularly pleasant experience for anybody, certainly not for me. But it is not in my character to stay silent. I regret being sucked into it but that's life, that's the way I am. Let's put those issues behind us because it is in the interests of F1."

Dennis denied that he saw Ecclestone's involvement with the team as a conflict of interests.

"Everything has been done on a handshake and I'm sure that when the document is put into place everything will have been taken into account and I don't see it as a conflict of interest," he added.

Dennis also said he thought that Ecclestone may have a calming influence on Stoddart and ease his mind around to dropping his objections to the 2004 regulation changes.