Ecclestone Fears Loss of Ferrari

For the first time since the entire budget cap row started, Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone admitted he is worried about losing Ferrari from the series. The 78-year old Englishman has little hope that the F1 teams and the FIA will be able to find a solution to the 2010 regulations problem, and argued many teams might take Ferrari's way if the Italian car maker decides to stick to their quitting decision.

“Well, I am concerned, I don't want them leaving. I don't think anybody does,” said the F1 supremo ahead of the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix. “We've had more than 70 teams in and out since F1 started. The only people who have been consistent are Ferrari, because they have been there from day one. So, we don't want to lose Ferrari.”

Talking about the Paris' Tribunal de Grande Instance refusing Ferrari's injunction over the 2010 rules, Ecclestone said that this means little in terms of solving the budget cap equation. Several appeals will follow, and most of the teams will refuse to submit their applications to an F1 entry next season by the May 29 deadline, believes Ecclestone.

“It is exactly the same as it was before. It means with the veto, they have to serve it at the right time. So if somebody does something today, then they need to serve a veto by Monday to stop it, so nothing has changed from that point of view,” said the Englishman, adding: “probably, the majority (of teams) won't put an entry in.”

The teams are to meet this Friday, in Monte Carlo, in order to find an alternative to the 40M proposed budget cap.