Stoddart in plea to save 'fighting fund'

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart has called on fellow team principals to stand by their commitment that Formula 1 grids will not fall below 10 teams, following the virtual collapse of the sport's 'fighting fund,' according to this week's AUTOSPORT magazine

Feb 13, 2003, 10:08 AM

Broad agreement was reached to establish the 'fighting fund', a £20 million cash pool for the smaller teams, following a meeting between team principals and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone on January 15. However, enthusiasm for the idea has subsequently died down.

"Obviously there has been no help forthcoming," Stoddart told AUTOSPORT. "Whether that will change depends on the individual teams. We just need an agreement. It's nice to talk about it, but talking doesn't pay the bills."

However, Stoddart's pleas could fall on deaf ears. One leading team boss has claimed that the formation of the fund was dependent on the regulations remaining unchanged, and that the recent rules overhaul had increased team's short-term costs, making them less willing to contribute to the fund.

For more on this story, check out this week's AUTOSPORT magazine, which is on sale now.