F1 could be destroyed in 6 months

[renaultbel]

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has responded to threats from the manufacturers involved in the sport to form a breakaway series, claiming the move "would be bad for everybody" involved.
The five main car makers involved in F1 (DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Renault, Ford and BMW) have made plans to set up their own competition after disputes over the running of the sport, and in particular control over its television rights (see attached stories).
Now Ecclestone, whose F1 holding company SLEC controls those TV rights, has insisted that any breakaway series will be severely damaging to top-level motorsport, and in particular to Formula 1, which he has spent the last three decades transforming into the most-watched sport in the world.
"It has taken me 30 years to build up Formula 1 into what it is today and it could take just six months to destroy it," he told British newspaper the Financial Times.
Ecclestone's comments follow the news that German media group Kirch, who own a 75 per cent share in SLEC, have renewed their offer to sell a 25 per cent stake to the car makers, along with concessions allowing them to veto any move to switch coverage exclusively to pay-per-view TV.
The manufacturers have already turned down the offer once, but this was when Kirch only held 50 per cent of SLEC, and many inside Formula 1, including FIA president Max Mosley, are hoping that a compromise can still be reached.
"We hope that they get together and come to a sensible arrangement so that there is no fragmentation of Formula 1," he told British paper the Times. "We will do everything we can to encourage everybody to reach a settlement."
Whatever the outcome, Ecclestone has confirmed that he will remain in charge of the day to day running of Formula 1 for the next five years on behalf of Kirch. His mandate will continue to include the crucial issue of TV rights, which he has vowed to manage in the best interests of everyone involved.
"I have been assured that my policy of securing extensive, live, free over-the-air television coverage remains unchanged and that races will only be allocated into countries which will be in the best interest of the teams, manufacturers and sponsors," he added.

[Liz]

"...in the best interests of the teams, the manufacturers and the sponsors." He says.

Notice which group he leaves out?

THE FANS.

[Piquet]

Yea I spotted that one too Liz !!!

Thanks Bernie !!

[Ralf's Girl]

Originally posted by Liz
Notice which group he leaves out?

THE FANS.

Unsurprising...like he cares about the fans.