GPWC remains defiant

Although it is widely viewed that Ferrari's decision all but scuppers the hopes of GPWC being successful in its plans to create its own championship from 2008, series figurehead Jurgen Hubbert of Mercedes-Benz has written to the nine other teams urging them not to give up on its plans.

The GPWC still plans to meet the teams prior to the season opening Australian Grand Prix to present its blueprint for the new championship and Hubbert is urging the outfits not to be pressured by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone into signing up for his series - even though sources claim he will present them with a 'take it or leave it' offer at a meeting in London next week to commit to F1.

In the letter that was sent on Friday, Hubbert said of the GPWC meeting: "I'm confident that the presentation will clearly demonstrate that together we can create an environment of fairness for our sport different to that which appears to result from Ferrari's unilateral decision to enter to a private agreement with the commercial rights holder and FIA."

Hubbert's letter comes after Minardi boss Paul Stoddart met with FIA president Max Mosley on Friday to try and reconcile a growing view that the governing body is closer to Ferrari than other outfits - as well as present a package of proposals the teams are trying to get implemented to cut costs and improve the spectacle of F1.

The matter is set to reach a head next Friday, when Mosley is due to meet the teams to discuss future plans for F1.