Grapevine: MF1 sources deny blocking Aguri

Autosport.com reported earlier today that Super Aguri's fate for 2006 lies in the hands of MF1, who are believed to object to the eleventh team's entry because it could knock them out of the top 10 in the Constructors' Championship.

This would cost MF1 vital commercial revenue from the sale of television rights, as only the top 10 outfits are eligible for payment by Ecclestone.

Although Super Aguri would not be eligible for the money themselves for next year, as teams have to compete for two full seasons before qualifying for the income, any failure by Midland to make the top 10 would result in them losing the money anyway.

Sources familiar with the negotiations have claimed that Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has been working hard at trying to convince MF1 bosses Alex Shnaider and Colin Kolles to back down in their opposition.

However, a high level source in the team has insisted MF1 was not the one standing in the way of Super Aguri's entry, as he further suggested that the second Honda-backed team was in fact facing opposition from others.

It is believed, however, that some kind of a financial incentive could be involved to eventually resolve any objection to the 11th entry.