FIA will not be swayed by breakaway talks

The FIA has said it will not be moved by what it calls 'deluded' attempts to weaken its authority in Formula One, on a weekend when Bernie Ecclestone has prompted speculation about a breakaway championship

With formal talks to frame a new Concorde Agreement getting underway in the Montreal paddock, there have been widespread reports Ecclestone and the teams could go as far as launching a breakaway championship if they cannot get the FIA on board a new deal to secure F1's future.

But although Ecclestone's attempts to get support for the idea of a breakaway appear to have fallen on deaf ears, with many teams saying they are not interested in the concept, it has not stopped the speculation continuing.

Ecclestone was quoted in the Sunday Express as saying: "I'm certainly not advocating a breakaway but in theory they could do their own deal for TV, whatever."

But despite the posturing about a breakaway, the FIA has adopted a hard-line approach to its position on the Concorde Agreement - and criticised those that it feels are trying to force it to back down.

"We have nothing to add to the letter the FIA President sent to the member clubs on May 16," said an FIA spokesman. "The issues he raised then could not have been clearer.

"There are those who have sought to destabilise the FIA and undermine its independent authority for their own gain. The overwhelming support the President received from the General Assembly confirms that our membership will not allow this to happen. Anyone who thinks that this is not the case is deluded."

The teams and Ecclestone are keen for the FIA to come on board a Concorde Agreement that unifies them all - but it will have to be a deal that does not weaken the FIA's position and also ensures financial stability for the teams.

Honda Racing team principal Ross Brawn said that speculation of a breakaway was unfortunate, because of the damage the rumours could cause the sport.

"It is a shame if these things get discussed," he said. "I don't think anyone wants it (a breakaway). It didn't happen before and it is unlikely now. I think everyone wants to try and find a solution with Bernie and the FIA."

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen said that it would take a few weeks for matters to settle down in working out where the battle lines between Ecclestone and the FIA were drawn.

"Certainly there is a power struggle going on and it will carry on for a few more weeks before we see what direction it takes," he said.

When asked if he felt a breakaway threat was serious, he said: "I wouldn't see it as a first option."