Talks aimed at settling the financial row threatening the sport as well as talks on the engine freeze have both stalled.

In the wake of the demise of Marussia, and Caterham resorting to crowd funding, the financial crisis facing Formula One's smaller teams continues to grab the headlines.

Previous claims that CVC might step in have since been dismissed meaning that the sport has made no progress in the last seven days since Austin where there was talk of a boycott.

At the same time, Mercedes is playing hardball over attempts to ease the freeze on engine development, a double-edged sword which on the one hand might well level the playing field but would drive costs up even further.

Consequently, Bernie Ecclestone has held meetings with teams and engine manufacturers in Brazil, both appearing to end in stalemate.

Speaking to reporters tonight, Mercedes Motorsport boss Toto Wolff admitted that there was still no sign of agreement in terms of the engine freeze.

"Nothing on anything, but we spent a good two and a half hours!" scowled the Austrian. "The situation is unchanged on everything, the money side, engine side. That is it for the weekend.

"We offered a slight compromise which we think we can afford so as not to change the specs and the price for the customers which we think is essential in the current environment, but it wasn't accepted," he added. "I'm not sure this is the end. There will be further discussions."

"He just said 'I'll talk to Donald (Mackenzie) next week and get back to you'," said an even more frustrated Vijay Mallya of his meeting with Bernie Ecclestone "That's it!

"He recognises that the three smallest teams require to get more money in one form or another," he continued. "We presented our case, he said he'd talk to Donald and get back to us. And I've heard this before. So the option is to just wait and watch."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Martin B, 10/11/2014 22:19

"Yes it is very impressive to see a 2.7 second pit stop but it's not necessary.
"

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2. Posted by Martin B, 10/11/2014 22:16

"Change the pitstops. How many mechanics do you get on a single car in a stop? 25? Do it like NASCAR = big savings.
"

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3. Posted by Spindoctor, 10/11/2014 12:41

"Sacking the "pitstop" guys wouldn't really work, They generally do other tasks as well.
I suppose there tyre-changing role could be "outsourced" to someone like Kwikfit, who could offer Menu pricing: Change 4 tyres in 5 secs =- £500, Change 4 tyres in 3 sec - £750, Wipe driver visor £100, Change Steering wheel £1,000 etc. etc. Teams could then choose and spend many happy hours negotiating an appropriate SLA....."

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4. Posted by Hondawho?, 10/11/2014 8:53

"Simon in Oz
Very funny.
Be honest all of you reading this post, how many looked up "Oozlem bird"? Yes I had to look it up as well. Very good comment LOL"

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5. Posted by Simon in Adelaide, 09/11/2014 22:16

"Whilst the FIA and Bernie perform passable impressions of Nero and Caligula, the top end of the paddock are putting the Oozlum bird to shame."

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6. Posted by The stogie, 09/11/2014 20:27

"The first cost reduction measure should be the elimination of the small army supposedly needed for three seconds of pit stops. Twenty guys could be reduced to four with the accompanying savings a HUGE cost benefit for the teams. They wouldn't have to fly them, feed them, put them in hotels rooms or pay them. "

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7. Posted by Paul C, 09/11/2014 1:22

"Here is an easy way to get all of the cars in the final race. Rent out the Caterhams and Marussias to teams capable of operating them and drivers who can qualify for one race Superlicences. Aren't there a few drivers in the Middle East with A1GP or GP2 Asia experience at the very least?"

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