Stoddart: If this goes on I'll walk away

Phoenix's claim to the intellectual rights of Prost Grand Prix and its championship entry were quashed in the High Court this week (for separate story,click here. ) but the matter could now be taken arbitration in Switzerland. Although this is unlikely to succeed, it would drag matters on for months and prevent Minardi from getting hold of its money.

"This is now beyond a joke and bordering on insanity," Stoddart claimed in Monaco. "Tom Walkinshaw (who is ostensibly involved in providing engineering support to Phoenix) is going around saying that he is only protecting Charles Nickerson, the Godfather to his children, but if anyone believes that, then they are from a different planet. The whole thing has been a sham from day one."

Stoddart had to lay off 22 people from Minardi's factory at Ledbury this week and said: "Basically it has stopped our development programme. Every team owner in the paddock has agreed that we are entitled to the money except one - Walkinshaw. And the Concorde Agreement demands unanimity...

"Despite this court ruling which should have put the matter to bed, I wouldn't mind betting Tom isn't finished yet. Our money is locked up until this is over and we're hurting."

Talking about next year, Stoddart said: "I don't know if I want to play the game again. I've had enough. I came into this for the sport, not to chase Tom Walkinshaw through law courts to try and get my money."

Stoddart has confirmed that without the money Minardi faces a serious shortfall in budget but refused to countenance any behind the scenes deal with Walkinshaw/Phoenix.

"If I have to do a deal with Walkinshaw I'll quit the sport, and I might have to in order to help Minardi survive." Stoddart said.