McLaren dismiss breakaway suggestions

Reports in German newspapers at the weekend suggested that both McLaren and Honda were the ringleaders in attempts to get a breakaway from FIA involvement in F1.

However, both teams have denied that a breakaway is realistic - amid a growing acceptance that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has been using the threat of an alternative championship as a warning against the FIA membership in the wake of their verdict of president Max Mosley.

However, although there has been widespread talk about the two meetings between the teams and Ecclestone, Dennis had been initially reluctant to reveal what the true situation is.

"A lot of things are discussed in team principals' meetings, and all of them are confidential," he said. "A lot of things have, of course, therefore been discussed in the team principals' meetings we've had this weekend. They're therefore confidential."

Despite his desire to keep quiet about the discussions between Ecclestone and the teams, Dennis made it clear he was not interested in a breakaway series.

"Do I, or does McLaren, believe that a breakaway series is likely? Absolutely not. As we said in our statement on our website, we're looking forward to a period of stability for F1."

Dennis' stance on a breakaway series has been backed up by rival team bosses, who insist efforts are being made to ensure the FIA is part of a new Concorde Agreement.

When asked by autosport.com about the situation, Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said: "Well, the only thing that I can say is that for sure, as we always said, we definitely need the FIA as a regulator of the championship.

"That's the history of Formula One, and any word is not taking anyone to any point. We need to stay cool and work and that's it. It's a moment when I feel that this is what I feel has to be done."

Honda Racing F1 CEO Nick Fry added: "On the FIA side, we would like them to be part of it. That has been the objective all along, but we have to have a tripartite agreement and we have to see where it goes."

When asked about the possibility of a breakaway championship, Fry said: "I don't think it is the first option. We would prefer to work with the FIA if we can."