The revelation that Formula One will still be paid regardless of whether the
race goes ahead or not will further mystify those who believe that the
sport’s rulers are taking an unnecessary risk in going.
However, Ecclestone did not clarify whether the money would have to be
returned should Formula One do the cancelling rather than the organisers.
Ecclestone said the decision was nothing to do with money. “We have a contract
with them and we’re respecting the contract,” he said. “And I don’t believe
the people there would take a risk if they thought there was a risk.”
Meanwhile, McLaren’s Jenson Button went second quickest on the first day of
the final winter test in Barcelona on Thursday. Romain Grosjean topped the
timesheets for Lotus.
The season begins in Australia on March 18.