May 21 (GMM) Mario Theissen on Thursday said he does not believe the current crisis in formula one will do the sport any lasting damage.
Three of the car manufacturers involved in F1, plus Red Bull, are threatening to quit over the budget cap and governance row with FIA president Max Mosley.The German carmakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz are towing the FOTA line, but their stance has been markedly less ruthless than the aforementioned rebels.Indeed, while even the usually tenacious Bernie Ecclestone admitted concern in the Monaco paddock, BMW motor sport director Theissen suggested this brand of politicking is par for the course in F1.The loss of multiple marquee teams in one hit would do immense damage to the F1 brand, so it is clear Theissen believes a compromise will ultimately be found."If you look back, these (sorts of) negotiations, discussions, have already spiced up F1 in the past," the German is quoted as saying by the French sports daily L'Equipe."And (they have) even gained more interest in the public. So in some ways apparently it's part of F1," Theissen explained."I personally do not need it, and I hope we will get over it quite soon. But I don't think it will (do) damage."As FOTA and Mosley prepare to meet in the Principality on 'free day' Friday, entries for the 2010 world champion will officially open."We'll have to wait and see," said F1's chief executive Ecclestone, when asked by reporters about the May 29 deadline. "Probably, the majority won't put an entry in."However, the 78-year-old confirmed that - no matter what - his black motor home will be parked in the Monaco harbour in one year's time."Formula one will continue, we have a contract worldwide with TV and promoters, so we will continue like that," the Briton said. "We'll be here."
