22/04/2006
NEWS STORY
Despite claims that a deal between the manufacturers that comprise the Grand Prix Manufacturers Association (GPMA) and Formula One's owners (CVC Capital Partners) and Bernie Ecclestone could be made this weekend, it is now clear that this is largely 'wishful thinking'.
It had been claimed that the manufacturers were on the verge of signing the new Concorde Agreement, which would keep them in F1 until 2012.
However, according to Pitpass' sources, "all doesn't seem to be quite as rosy" as some would have us believe, indeed it is understood that there remains a "pretty hefty roadblock in the way".
Donald Mackenzie, of CVC told Reuters that there had been a "small meeting" with the carmakers Imola circuit, which suggests that the deal isn't quite as imminent as some would have us believe.
Renault team boss, Flavio Briatore remains convinced that a deal will be done soon, and has made no secret of his desire to see the issue amicably resolved and the sport returning to 'business as usual' status.
However, there is still a way to go.