GPMA set to lose Williams, Bernie wins
The news indicates that Williams does not support the so-called 'GPMA' group, and – with the inevitable Red Bull-fuelled Minardi defection from the carmakers' side – could tip the balance in Bernie Ecclestone's 'Concorde' favor.
With Williams and Minardi on side, Bernie's 2008 teams would number five — half of pitlane, including the most evocative name of all, Ferrari.
London's 'Times' newspaper speculated that the fiercely independent Sir Frank and team co-owner Patrick Head have been won over with a Bernie-funded $50 million sweetener.
And the sport's 74-year-old 'supremo' revealed that 50 per cent more cash for 2008 and beyond is on the table for any team. ''And they know I mean it,'' Ecclestone added.
The Briton said: ''It's up to them to decide if they can do a better job (of running a grand prix series) and take that risk.''