Minardi veto causes F1 acrimony

Stoddart cited "the failure of the manufacturer-supported teams to move forward with their undertakings either for the establishment of a 'fighting fund' to assist the smaller, independent teams, or for the supply of ?10m customer engines, as agreed earlier this year."

He continued: "I was forced to reconsider my consent to the Formula 1 Commission vote on the 2004 regulations, and the proposed changes to the 2003 regulations. On reflection, I was perhaps too eager to please people who, it seems, have actually been working to try to make it difficult for Minardi to continue. On reading the proposed changes in detail, and taking into consideration the cost implications for Minardi, I had no choice but to withdraw my consent."

Stoddart followed up his comments by proposing that the factory teams consider the following course of action: first, European Minardi and Jordan Grand Prix to be paid the moneys agreed on January 15, 2003, immediately and without condition; and second, what the team's statement called "GPWC" to honour its commitment to the independent teams on engine supplies for the 2004 season and beyond.

Should there be significant and helpful movement on these points, concluded Stoddart, the Anglo-Italian team "might reconsider its position."