Coca-Cola eyes F1 team

UPDATE This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today. See Hot News item about Coca-Cola's denial. 10/03/05 The world's most famous soft-drink company, Coca-Cola, is planning to drive onto the F1 grid.

The British 'Daily Telegraph' newspaper even claimed that Coke, like fizzy rival Red Bull, could buy a grand prix team — but the more likely option is a title sponsorship.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone 'confirmed' that Coca-Cola had shown some interest in the sport, the newspaper wrote.

''F1 has become an exceptional shop window for everybody,'' the 74-year-old said.

The report doubted that Coca-Cola had yet held talks with any team, but an executive 'with links' to the company revealed: ''The growing popularity of F1 in several key Asian markets is something that is of interest.''

Probably at the front of the queue for Coca-Cola's business is Williams, the front line Grove based team that is determined to recover from the recent loss of works BMW power and title sponsor HP.