At a time when there are fears that some teams, most notably Renault and Toyota, might use the budget cap row as the ideal excuse to leave F1, BMW team boss Mario Theissen admits that the German manufacturer is considering its options.

Speaking after his drivers qualified 17th and 18th for the Monaco GP, Theissen told the BBC: "Positions 17 and 18 are disappointing we have a lot of work ahead of us. We are analysing the reasons behind this, but I don't have an explanation yet. However, this is a single event and has nothing to do with long-term strategy.

"This has been the worst qualifying performance we have had," he admitted. "It reflects the problems we already faced in free practice here in Monaco. No matter which set-up or on what tyre compound, neither of our cars was able to achieve the necessary grip. Our data shows the tyres never reached their operating temperatures."

Referring to the ongoing budget row, he added: "It was positive to have Friday's meeting and to discuss the issues, but we have not arrived at a decision. If the framework and the conditions change greatly that would be a reason for us to review the project."

While the reasons for Ferrari's objection to the budget cap is clear, there have been continued fears regarding the commitment of Renault and Toyota, despite repeated assurances from senior management at both companies.

However, the budget cap row aside, the ongoing financial crisis, which has hit car manufacturers particularly hard, the loss of sponsors, and, despite Eddie Jordan's claim that fans are flocking to F1, the swathes of empty seats at the Principality yesterday, these giant of the automotive industry are finding it increasingly difficult to justify the expense of F1 for so little gain, particularly in the case of Toyota, whose board have demanded a win this season.