As ever in Formula One, there were immediately those questioning the timing of
the statement as well as any possible subtext.
Ecclestone is currently facing the possibility of a trial in Germany over
alleged bribery, while Todt may have a challenge to his presidency in the
form of FIA Foundation director general David Ward. Both could do with
presenting a calm front and strong leadership.
There is also the possibility that the sport may float on the Singapore stock
exchange at some point.
Ecclestone insisted that there was no subtext and that the way was now clear
to “get the whole lot put to bed”.
“Yeah, it’s good. We’re with the FIA, and that’s it,” he said. “There have
obviously been lots of things we’ve had to sort out. It’s a longer term
thing, and this forms most of the Concorde Agreement for the teams as well,
so we can get the whole lot put to bed now.
“It’s for seven years, and what it does is give a little more input from the
teams which we’ve been fighting for concerning regulations, so they can’t
complain.”
Asked why it had taken so long to sort out, Ecclestone said: “Honestly?
Lawyers. But there have been no complaints from either side.”
Former Williams chief executive and chairman Adam Parr, who has been vocal in
his calls for change in Formula One, was left unimpressed.
“One thing worse than the FIA and FOM fighting is them shaking hands,” he
tweeted. “Shivers down the spine. Who fights for the teams, the fans, the
sport?”