Max Mosley claims a deal is “very close” to end the damaging row which could see a breakaway Formula One series next season.
FIA president Mosley spent Sunday at the British Grand Prix locked in talks with members of the teams who have rebelled against plans by world motorsport’s governing body to impose a budget cap and other rule changes. CNN International
“We are talking to people all the time. It will all be back to normal, it’s just a question of when,” said Mosley.
“We are very close. What divides us and the teams is minimal and really is something we could sit down and iron out very quickly.”
He added: “We have said to the teams we are ready to do this. Now it may take them a little time to get to the position where they want to, but when they do, we are ready.”
The eight Fota teams - McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, Brawn, Toro Rosso, Renault and Toyota - released a statement late on Thursday night declaring their intention to quit F1. BBC Sport
Despite the conciliatory tone, Mosley referred to the more hardline FOTA members as “loonies” who are “immoderate in their approach.”
Mosley recognizes the need for a swift resolution, echoing McLaren chief Martin Whitmarsh’s declaration on Saturday that any deal must come by the end of July.
“I would agree with that,” Mosley said. “If this goes on for any length of time, it damages the teams. It doesn’t affect the FIA, it damages the teams because it affects their sponsors.”
Bernie Ecclestone, F1’s commercial rights holder, was happy at news of an agreement being close.
“If Max says (a deal) is close, then that’s good,” he said. The Associated Press
| 
|