07/12/2004
NEWS STORY
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Bernie Ecclestone once famously said, of a rival that had attempted to take him on; "They think they've got me by the balls... their hands aren't big enough".
Anyone who knows the man who has (almost) singe-handed re-shaped F1 from an elitist sport, the domain of 'gentleman racers', into a global multi-billion pound empire, will know that the former second-hand car dealer not only refuses to run away from a fight, he positively revels in a good scrap.
Whilst many say that Ecclestone's back is against the wall as the three banks come at him from one side and the manufacturers that comprise the GPWC the other, clearly don't know the man.
It's certain that Ecclestone was expecting yesterday's High Court 'verdict', and will have prepared for all scenarios. The most likely outcome is that he will stall for time. Though he had previously said he would accept the court's decision, it appears that he may appeal. The longer this drag on, bearing in mind that the current Concorde Agreement only lasts until 2007, the worse it is for the banks as by 2008, when Bernie in getting on for 78, they could effectively own 75% of very little.
As for the Grand Prix World Championship, Ecclestone is said to have made a fresh move to placate the teams which are threatening to join the breakaway series.
According to The Times, Ecclestone has made an offer to the ten teams worth $500m (£257m) over the next ten years, effectively a nice little bonus. It's understood that the teams are considering the offer.
Much like Glen Crompton of the real Alternative Championship once pointed out, once it has been verified that the teams are whores and can be bought, it is simply a question of establishing the price.
Write Bernie off at your peril.