Theissen: "The current crisis will not compromise the future of Formula 1"

Mario Theissen declared on Thursday that he does not believe that the current crisis in Formula 1 will compromise the future of the category. Three of the F1 manufacturers present, together with Red Bull, are determined to counter the budget cap rules imposed by FIA president Max Mosley. The German manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz follow the FOTA line, although they have been exposed to a lesser extent.

In the meantime, while Bernie Ecclestone acted as a mediator in the Monaco paddock with his usual tenacity, BMW Motorsport manager Theissen underlined that politics is also a part of Formula 1.

The simultaneous loss of these brands would constitute enormous damage to the category, and Theissen remains of the opinion that a compromise can eventually be found. “Looking into the past, these types of negotiations and discussions have always been present in F1,” the German reportedly told the French sports newspaper “L'Equipe”. “And they have always aroused a lot of interest in the public. In some way it is part of F1” he explained. “Personally I don't feel the need for it, in fact I hope they end soon. But I don't think there will be any repercussions." While FOTA and Mosley met today in the Principality, registration for the 2010 World Championships was officially opened.

“We'll have to wait and see,” Ecclestone said of the May 29 deadline. “Probably, most teams will not meet this deadline.” However, the 78-year-old reiterated: "Formula 1 will continue, we have global contracts with TV and sponsors, and everything will continue."

Marco Privitera