Honda move forces regulation clampdown

The Japanese company has angered Grand Prix bosses because it asked for a slot to be left open for it to join F1 next year.

F1 team owners agreed with Honda's request because of its good reputation. Only 12 teams are allowed to race in F1.

It is expected that no similar favours will be granted to any team wanting to enter F1 in the future. Instead new entrants will have to place an entry alongside the existing teams and hope there is a space for them on the grid.

The FIA could also ask for a huge deposit from any prospective entrant. This was initially proposed in 1997, when a figure of US$25 million (about £15 million) was mentioned. It was to be refunded month by month over the team's first season.

Team bosses are worried that their outfits have now dramatically dropped in value.

Toyota, which is planning to enter in 2001, no longer has to buy a team to find a space on the grid.

The teams would like the slot to be filled so that the Japanese giant has to acquire an existing outfit.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has been linked to plans to set up a new team for 2000. This would likely be set up out of Honda's UK test base and use Supertec engines.