11/02/2005
NEWS STORY
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart, and a number of other team principals burned the midnight oil on Wednesday, in the latest of a series of meetings, as the nine 'rebel' teams seek to find a suitable set of cost cutting proposals.
Although most of the team principals were present at the Heathrow meeting, a couple were unable to attend, and consequently sent their representatives.
"We are moving forward towards proper, sensible, regulations for the future," the Australian told Pitpass. "We are all taking cost cutting seriously, we are taking the due process seriously, and yesterday was all about outlining the basics of what needs to be done.
"The next stage is to get the various individuals together," he continued, "because, in effect, technical people shouldn't be talking about sporting regulations and governance, while those who specialize in the legal side probably know nothing about the technical aspects. So what we're going to do is split into working groups, and hammer out some proposals, We really are taking this whole procedure very, very seriously.
"It was all very productive, Bernie (Ecclestone) had his new marketing man Michael Payne there, he met with the teams' marketing directors, and a couple of us were able to sit in on both meetings."
Following the publication of our exclusive interview with Stoddart, there has been tremendous feedback, however one point that is constantly raised is the fact that although Stoddart is the spokesperson for 'the nine', none of the other team principals appears to be saying anything. They clearly voice their opinions in meetings, behind closed doors, but thus far Stoddart is the only one to talk publicly. Couldn't this prove dangerous?
"I have no doubt that you're right," he replies. "I am the one who is putting his neck on the block, and I could end up being crushed as a result, but I accept that, that's my conviction, I believe in what I'm saying.
"Also, contrary to popular belief, I am not at war with Max Mosley, nothing would make me happier than to see Max and Ferrari coming back to the table. I genuinely mean that, we need unity. You cannot go against a group of nine and sustain that position for terribly long.
"I know there are people that believe I could pay very heavily for being outspoken, but if that is what it takes, to go forward, then that's a price I'm prepared to pay."