Ecclestone helps Minardi

Published on 15 June 2003 by Huub Rothengatter

Formula 1 owner Bernie Ecclestone has announced last Saturday that he himself has offered financial help to Minardi.
Ecclestone decided to do this after it became obvious that the other top teams, contrary all previously made promises, did not have the intention to pay up for 'poorer' teams.
Earlier this weekend Paul Stoddart was clearly annoyed with the fact that the promised 'Fighting Fund' would not be created.
"We have to get rid of all these nonsense and continue racing. We are racing drivers, we are not financial instituions." was Ecclestone's motivation.

Ecclestone supports Minardi with private means

How much Ecclestone has given Minardi is not know. Eddie Jordan was able to confirm the news: "None of the top teams is prepared to pay up. Bernie is convinced that having ten teams is better than a smaller grid and he is determined to avoid losing another team!"

It is expected that Ecclestone that he will offer the same support to Jordan, but neither would confirm this officially.