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Does F1 need the constructors' championship?

As the struggle continues for Formula 1's remaining independent outfits, DIETER RENCKEN asks if clinging onto the notion of a constructors' championship is still worthwhile

Although various affected parties in Barcelona sought to downplay the severe funding crisis faced by three independent teams, there is no doubt that Formula 1 risked coming catastrophically close to having but a dozen starters in Australia - by far the sparsest grid since that farcical US Grand Prix at Indianapolis a decade ago.

Suggestions of a 'Dirty Dozen' grid were contemptuously brushed aside, however disaster was narrowly averted only after various financial promises were (allegedly) made to Force India, Lotus and Sauber by commercial rights holder Formula One Management, to wit by way of an eventual payday loan brokered by F1 tsar and FOM CEO Bernie Ecclestone.

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