08/11/2014
NEWS STORY
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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