Toyota Chief: Breakaway Series Less Likely

The meeting appears to confirm that tension between the teams and Mosley has thawed considerably over recent weeks - and has prompted hopes that the breakaway plans can be shelved.

When asked by Autosport-Atlas whether he believed there was a chance that the meeting is a precursor to the breakaway being called off, Howett said: "I think it is difficult to say, but I would say it is less likely, based on the discussions we had."

Howett was reluctant to give away too many details about the meeting to discuss planned rules for 2008, but backed up claims from McLaren's F1 CEO that it was encouraging.

"I think it is the first time there has been an official response to the proposed regulations and it was a very open and constructive meeting, very positive," he said.

"I think there was a lot of synergy and a lot more common ground than everyone seems to believe. It is wrong to say anything specific because the people who were there need to discuss with the other teams and then I think we will enter further dialogue but I think today's meeting was very constructive and very positive.

"I think both parties understood each other very well and there are clear ways forward to come closer."

How the teams and manufacturers' plans for 2008 differ from those put forward by the FIA is not clear yet, but Howett believed there was now a clear path to resolve the clashing issues.

"There are differences and we had a positive dialogue on how to move forward. Both parties have good will and intent to work together. There are some gaps so there is not going to be an instant and  final decision from this but it was a good meeting."