Ecclestone Fears Two Teams Could Be Lost

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has expressed fears that teams will be lost from the grid this season and called for the sport's major outfits to bail them out.

According to reports, Ecclestone has handed £3.4 million (UK pounds) to Paul Stoddart's Minardi and £1.4 million to Arrows owner Tom Walkinshaw this season to ease cashflow.

But Ecclestone now warns that teams at the back of the grid could be lost unless the likes of Ferrari and McLaren supply cars to the tail-enders.

"The sport is like a high-stake poker game with some playing with millions and others sitting with markers and unable to up the ante," He told reporters in Monaco on Thursday. "The regulations should change with the economic climate so that someone, such as Ferrari, could supply entire cars to the less well off teams."

"I am sure we are going to lose a team or two by the end of the year and the situation must be addressed," he added.

Ecclestone said that new rules could be introduced where the teams supplying the cars will score points if the lowly teams claim top six finishes in Grands Prix.

"Top teams would be handed Championship points scored by the cars they have given to others and the teams running them would not have the headache of the cost of building machines," he said. "Teams would instantly cut 80 percent of their costs while being more competitive. It's the way forward - absolutely."