Tuesday, 18 November 2014

Small teams write to Bernie Ecclestone for an immediate meeting to solve the financial situation in Formula One

(Sahara Force India Formula One Team)

Sahara Force India's deputy team principal Robert Fernley has written to Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone on behalf of the small teams asking for a meeting with the commercial rights holders to discuss the current financial situation in Formula One as Sahara Force India, the Sauber F1 Team and Lotus F1 Team are seeking a fairer slice of the Formula One financial pie.

In the letter to CVC which has been leaked Mr Fernley stated:

'The issues we are facing are related to financial matters which can only be resolved by financial measures. In our common interest and for a sustainable future of the sport, we request you, together with the other stakeholders, to implement a more equitable distribution.

The letter went on to say:

'I would respectfully urge you to spare time over the weekend to meet with Monisha [Kaltenborn], Vijay [Mallya], Gerard [Lopez] and myself to find an equitable solution to the distribution of FOM funds with a view to presenting a proposal and reaching a consensus with all the stakeholders.'

The current situation facing Formula One's smaller teams reached boiling point last month when it was announced that both the Marussia and Caterham F1 Team's had entered administration with confirmation on Friday 17th November that the Marussia F1 Team had ceased trading.

Robert Fernley has stated that the smaller teams would only consider a two tier Formula One as a short term solution.

While the Marussia F1 Team won't race at this weekend's Formula One season finale in Abu Dhabi, the administrators in charge of the Caterham F1 Team have confirmed that the team will be racing this weekend and thanks to a crowd-funding project have  raised £1,930,454 through pledges of the £2.35 million needed to go to Abu Dhabi.

© Ben Johnston 2014

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