F1's big teams can plug any holes on the grid by fielding third cars, according to Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone.

In the wake of Honda's departure from the sport, and speculation that further teams might succumb to the effects of the global financial crisis, Formula One is facing an immediate future with grids of perhaps fewer than 18 drivers.

Short of plugging the gaps with new team entrants, Ecclestone says the easiest solution to the problem is to ask the best-financed existing teams to enter more cars.

"That is what basically will happen," said Ecclestone, who has denied that he is contractually bound to organisers and broadcasters to provide well-stocked fields.


He explained to DPA: "If the manufacturers supply engines to other people, they can run three cars themselves."

Ecclestone hinted that the third car provision could be triggered immediately, such as if a buyer is not found for Honda's Brackley-based team.

"It is better to have 20 cars on the grid, whether they are in the hands of manufacturers or in private hands, that doesn't make any difference," he said.

E.A, Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International

 

down side is whatever team with 2 cars can kiss the WCC good-bye

 

True. But keep in mind that it could be more feasible for any team to add a chassis and a few more spare parts without TOO much strain as the R&D costs are already covered to develop a car, whether 1,2, or 3 cars. Just a matter of copy/paste. And, the third car will be another source of sponsorship income as whoever they put in it will most probably be bringing in Sponsors of their own.. This could very well be a good thing.

I just hope we're not left with two manufacturers fielding 9 cars each!!!! We have the DTM already! A great series as well in my opinion! Itself being a championship for German Touring Cars and German Manufacturers, that's acceptable. But not what you'd expect from a (F1) Championship that caters to manufacturers around the world!!

 

can TATA enter F1 too

 

LOL! Have they not sponsored Scuderia Ferrari this season?? Learn what they can now and then in 2010 have a TATA TEAM entry!!! Go India!!!

 

Paging Force India... Force India, please line up on the grid...


Smaller teams would stand even less of a chance in the WCC than they do now if the big teams are allowed to run 3 cars. Another question will be who will fill those spots. If this rule is passed, this could have some major ramifications for the smaller teams as their drivers begin fighting amongst each other for seats with Ferrari, McLaren and possibly BMW.
Then again, maybe the big teams will bring in their own people to fill the seats instead of poaching from other teams. I'd love to see more young drivers get a shot at glory with a top level team, much in the way Lewis Hamilton did.

 

3 cars. Hopefully if this did happen we could finally see multiple pit crews rather than the drivers having to stack in the pits.

 

I'm pretty sure the FIA is responsible for providing a full field. I will try to verify this.

If they are then he is a cock. As soon as his pocket is threatened he gives in but when the team principals brought it to the table he throws "cost-cutting" at them. Go suck it!