F1 Set to Split, Says Stoddart
Formula One is definitely heading for a breakaway series in 2008 following the latest rounds of talks between the manufacturers
That is the view of Minardi boss Paul Stoddart, who claims that the sport's worst fears are going to be realised when the manufacturers launch their rebel series in three years' time.
"I think we are heading now sadly to two series," said Stoddart, who was present at a recent meeting held by the manufacturers' group in Munich. "It is looking increasingly more obvious.
"The manufacturers have made a very clear statement that they want a fair and equitable Formula One. I would say we agree with that statement and I would say that is going to give rise to the two championships which everybody fears.
"I can't see Max Mosley backing down and equally I can't see the manufacturers backing down, so I suppose the net result of that is that there will be most likely two series in 2008 and hopefully that will provide an opportunity for me to come back."
Stoddart will be out of Formula One at the end of this year when his team's takeover by Red Bull is complete. However, he has suggested that his future return will be in the manufacturers' championship rather than F1 itself.
"There is no question about that. It's probably not a good time for me to get too political but I find it hard to stand by and say nothing.
"Throughout the first half of this year I was quite boisterous about wanting reform and change. You will notice all of this went quiet around Silverstone when I gave diplomacy a chance.
"Quite clearly that diplomacy has failed miserably and as a result of that we are now faced with what is our ultimate fear, which is two championships. You get to the point where that becomes inevitable, there's no point fighting it any longer you may as well just get on with it.
"If there is two championships I would love to come back in."
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The German legend who raced and beat Nuvolari
Ninety years ago, Rudolf Caracciola became the first non-Italian to win the epic Mille Miglia. We look at how he stacks up to the most famous pre-war ace Tazio Nuvolari, one of the drivers he beat on that day in 1931
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
How a harshly ejected Red Bull star has been hooked by racing again
Driver-turned-DJ Jaime Alguersuari lost his love for motorsport when he was booted out of Formula 1 just as he was starting to polish his rough edges. Having drifted from category to category then turned his back on racing altogether in 2015, he’s come full circle and is planning a return in karts for fun
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
