Quit crisis won’t damage F1 – Theissen
Three of the car manufacturers involved in F1, plus Red Bull, are threatening to quit over the budget cap and governance row with FIA president Max Mosley.
The German carmakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz are towing the FOTA line, but their stance has been markedly less ruthless than the aforementioned rebels.
Indeed, while even the usually tenacious Bernie Ecclestone admitted concern in the Monaco paddock, BMW motor sport director Theissen suggested this brand of politicking is par for the course in F1.
The loss of multiple marquee teams in one hit would do immense damage to the F1 brand, so it is clear Theissen believes a compromise will ultimately be found.
"If you look back, these (sorts of) negotiations, discussions, have already spiced up F1 in the past," the German is quoted as saying by the French sports daily L'Equipe.
"And (they have) even gained more interest in the public. So in some ways apparently it's part of F1," Theissen explained.
"I personally do not need it, and I hope we will get over it quite soon. But I don't think it will (do) damage."
As FOTA and Mosley prepare to meet in the Principality on 'free day' Friday, entries for the 2010 world champion will officially open.
"We'll have to wait and see," said F1's chief executive Ecclestone, when asked by reporters about the May 29 deadline. "Probably, the majority won't put an entry in."
However, the 78-year-old confirmed that – no matter what – his black motor home will be parked in the Monaco harbor in one year's time.
"Formula one will continue, we have a contract worldwide with TV and promoters, so we will continue like that," the Briton said. "We'll be here."
[Editor's Note: Of course it won't hurt F1. As we predict, this controversy is all being stirred up by Max and Bernie to get free PR for F1 and things will all be back to normal when they deem the time is right. Meanwhile the F1 media are playing right into Max and Bernie's hands and putting out reams of articles slicing and dicing it every which way but up.]