“It is an engine supplier to three teams. It can attract brands like Starwood
Hotels, a huge American company that takes these decisions very seriously.
“And I think Mercedes wants to be in F1 and F1 definitely needs Mercedes. F1
definitely would be much the poorer if Mercedes was not a participant.”
Asked how discussions with Formula One’s chief executive Bernie Ecclestone
were shaping up, Fry admitted that progress was “not as strong as I would
like” but added that Mercedes’ refusal to sign the agreement could cause
serious problems for CVC.
“If CVC wish to float F1, I think they need this resolved fairly quickly –
possibly more than we need it resolved,” he said.
“I am completely convinced in my mind that if CVC wish to sell some or all of
F1, the value they can derive from that would be severely diminished if
Mercedes was not a participant.”