Teams working towards cost-cutting

With the financial problems in Formula One still very much a discussion topic, eponymous team boss Sir Frank Williams said that teams are working together to try and save money. Since the demise of Prost before the 2002 season, there has been much talk about how costs could be bought down and the smaller teams are the ones that face the most uncertain futures.

Teams have been forced to make staff cuts while the steady decline and seemingly final collapse of Arrows highlights the situation. Williams said there has been some intense discussion aimed at stabilizing the future, especially for those that don't have big budgets.

"We've had some very frank discussions with a long-term view to make sure that F1 is financially sustainable," he told The Sunday Times. "There have been several discussions between the teams on little areas where we can save a bob or two."

"There is much better communication and trust and that is why we were able to agree several cost-cutting things. The successful teams tend to attract whatever sponsor money is available, but people like myself realise how tough it is on the smaller teams."

Testing has long been a bone of contention as those who have the available finances are able to test extensively while the less well off don't have the resources. The new FIA ruling that curtails teams to ten days testing a year, but allows Friday of race weekends to be used as a test session should they sign up for the scheme, needed three teams to agree before it could be implemented.

The Friday test has been given the go ahead by the FIA although it's not yet certain which teams will take part. Minardi and Jordan appear to be committed but so far the third is unknown.

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?

Take our 5 minute survey.

- The Motorsport.com Team

Read and post comments