Pedro Diniz confirms split with Prost

Brazilian Pedro Diniz says that only a miracle will see the Prost team survive. Speaking to the Estadao press agency, Diniz confirmed that although he still owns 40% of the struggling French team he has little to do with the outfit because of his poor relationship with team owner Alain Prost.

"I do not want to enter in details, but I did not agree to the technical and financial strategies adopted for the team and I left," Pedro reportedly told the newspaper, confirming that relations between himself and Alain Prost had broken down.

When asked about the team's future, Diniz had little to say, simply commenting that as majority partner it is Alain Prost's responsibility and not his. "I hope the problems will be solved, but the future of the team was affected by decisions that I did not agree with," he said. "I believe by December we will know what the future of the team will be." Diniz says that he is now looking at alternative investment opportunities within Brazilian motorsport.

Diniz predicted that the future of the team was uncertain and stated that only a miracle would ensure its survival. However, he would not comment on rumours that Prost had turned down an offer from Asiatech of a works engine deal and the provision of US$10 million to help the team with its problems. It is thought that the deal offered by Ferrari will cost them around US$25 million. "Alain Prost is the majority shareholder and the responsibility is his," was all he would say on the subject. Prost have yet to confirm an engine deal for 2002, and even Minardi boss Paul Stoddart said recently that he was unsure if the French team would make the Melbourne grid.

The former Sauber driver took a major stake in the team late last year but Prost's method of doing business did not tally with his Brazilian partner's, and Diniz is no longer involved in the running of the team.