Sunday, May 25, 2008

Prost worried about power struggle in F1

Prost worried about power struggle in F1

Four times Formula One world champion Alain Prost says he is concerned that grand prix racing could face troubled times if there is a power struggle over its control in the wake of the Max Mosley affair.

With tensions between Mosley and F1's commercial rights holders Bernie Ecclestone and CVC Capital Partners having been made evident in letters to FIA members, there are concerns that strains between them could lead to difficulties in the future.

And Prost fears that such trouble could actually damage the sport if matters are not kept in check.

"It could be a danger if you have a big fight," Prost said during a visit to the Monaco Grand Prix, the first race that Mosley has attended since the News of the World made revelations about his private life.

"Because now is a perfect time to take the right decision for the future of Formula One. If there is a big problem, a big fight, it would not be good for the future, for sure.

"I could be worried [about a fight between Mosley and Ecclestone], because when you need to make the right decision in the next few weeks, there will be a big problem if there's a big war. That would not be good for the sport."

Prost has ruled out any interest in becoming FIA president himself, although said a role in a body that dealt purely with motor racing , and not automobiles, would be considered.

"Especially with all the manufacturers being involved, I think they should separate it, that has always been my idea," said Prost. "Then I could see myself finding a way of supporting the FIA on the sports [side].

"If there was only the sporting side, then I could see my job. I know what the FIA is, I know all about the World Motor Sport Council and the F1 Commission. But not [dealing] with the political side with all the countries around the world. Everything is possible because I still love and have the passion for the sport."

Prost said that the political side of F1 will always be an integral part of the sport, and cannot be ignored.

"Formula One cannot be less political because there is too much money and too many manufacturers involved," he said.



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