Stoddart keeping quiet about Dennis

Minardi team principal Paul Stoddart is trying not to get into a public slanging match with McLaren's Ron Dennis, after Dennis claimed Minardi did not deserve as much financial help as Jordan. The McLaren boss said Stoddart complained too much and has little track record in Formula One and Minardi shouldn't be compared as an equal to Jordan.

Paul Stoddart.

Photo by Elmar Vat.

"I think this matter can wait until I see Ron in Australia where we can sort it out. I think politics and turmoil are actually part of the sport today. We have to remember that Formula One is a business first and, sadly, a sport second, but that is just how it is. "

Minardi has struggled financially but despite rumours that the team still may not have enough cash to complete the 2003 season, Stoddart is confident of being around in the future: "Despite all the politics, despite all the rumours about funding or lack of funding, and all the terrible side of the sport that we've had to endure, we're still here."

"We're still fighting and we're still on target for year three -- which is to try and establish ourselves as a regular midfield team. Hopefully with the power of the Ford engine, we should be able to do that."