Paul Stoddart spits his dummy out

Published on 14 June 2003 by Huub Rothengatter

Paul Stoddart has had enough of his fellow team owners. Against all made agreements they have said they are not making money available to help the financially weaker teams in these difficult times. The so-called "Fighting Fund" will not become a reality.

"At the beginning of this season, when all the bigger teams felt that they needed to help us, I spoke with Ron Dennis" the Australian explains. "During that meeting Ron told me that everything will be allright. Obviously I was too gullible, I haven't seen a penny and I have read everywhere that there won't be a "Fighting Fund".

Paul Stoddart, speaking during a more comfortable press conference

The intention was that both Minardi and Jordon would get 8 million Dollar. However, according to Ron Dennis there were two conditions; firstly the should be stability in the FIA regulations - this to achieve that teams would not have to spend a lot of money each time to adjust their cars and secondly Bernie Ecclestone would double the amount the teams would put in the fund.
Ron Dennis told the press that he is sick and tired to be pictured by the Minardi boss as a 'bad guy' "If he cannot stand the heat, then he should get out of the bloody kitchen!" Dennis's comments were.


Ron Dennis, here with Mercedes’ Norbert Haug

Due to the developments, Paul Stoddart's only option is to make use of his right, as declared in the Concorde Agreement, not to vote in favour in respect of the pending changes in the 2004 regulations and he will also re-consider his opinion on this season's changes.
"I might wanted to please certain people, but they were only out to make it as difficult as possible for Minardi. Now I know what the proposed changes for 2004 are and also know what the financial consequences will be for Minardi, I don't have any other choice than to re-consider my co-operation" according a determined Paul Stoddart.