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Honda team boss sees F1 peace on the horizon
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-08 09:35
LONDON, Dec 7 (Reuters) - Formula One can hope to start next season free from
the threat of a rival carmaker-led series that would tear the sport in two, says
Honda F1 team boss Nick Fry.
"I'd be very disappointed if we went into
next season in a situation of flux," said the Briton, who put at 75 percent the
likelihood of an agreement by then to end a long power struggle.
Honda are one of five carmakers threatening their own championship from the
beginning of 2008 unless their demands for a greater share of revenues, more
transparent corporate governance and fairness for all are met.
At the same time they have been talking to Formula One's commercial rights
holders, represented by Bernie Ecclestone, and the governing International
Automobile Federation (FIA).
"Certainly by the time we go to Bahrain next year, I'd hope (that the threat
is over)," said Fry, referring to the season-opening race on March 12.
"At the moment there still is a threat because we haven't resolved all the
issues and the car manufacturers need another route in case the issues aren't
resolved.
"But I think everything is proceeding well at the moment. We're making good
progress but there's still work to be done."
Fry's comments came after former champions Williams announced on Wednesday
that they would stay with the existing championship after 2007 rather than join
any breakaway series.
The decision leaves Formula One split between five teams -- Ferrari,
Williams, Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Midland -- on one side and five carmakers --
Renault, BMW, DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes, Toyota and Honda -- on the other.
NO DEFEAT
Williams chief executive Chris Chapple said his team, who had sided with the
carmakers until recently, were now satisfied their demands had been met.
"We've achieved a lot and, looking at where we are now, there is no longer a
need for this threat of a rival series," he told Reuters.
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