Repsol YPF

Honda`s withdrawal from Formula 1 has not only set alarm bells ringing as the costs of racing get out of hand, it has also created a conflict with the TV channels that have contracts in force. A grid with eighteen cars is a contract violation as Bernie Ecclestone always stipulated at least twenty cars would be on the grid. Now the boss of F1 has an idea up his sleeve to bring an end to this potential problem: to let the wealthy teams use a third car in races.

Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of Formula 1, is determined to introduce his system of medals to decide the best driver in the championship. However, last week Max Mosley, president of the FIA (Federation International de Automobilisme), announced that before changing the points system a “market study” should be carried out.

The English stadium changed its image last weekend to host the Race of the Champions, where the Spanish driver was one of the guests of honour. It was a luxury for the eighteen year old Catalan to drive with the driver considered to be the best in the history of the sport, Michael Schumacher, or with the current F1 and world rally champions, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastien Loeb, among others.

Over the last few days, the latest news from Formula One has diverted attention from the tracks to the meeting room. This week, the drivers and teams have been training in Jerez. In the meantime, the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) has sat down with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to agree on a package of measures aimed at cutting costs.