Sponsors threaten F1 split

A lot of bank notes could fly out of Formula One's window if the political storm speeds ahead. 'A host of top-tier sponsors' have contacted GT, rally and A1 grand prix teams and are prepared to leave F1 should the threatened 'breakaway' split occur, brandrepublic.com reported Tuesday. ''The sponsors … are keen to maintain their links with motor sport … with less troubled championships,'' it claimed. Only Ferrari and Red Bull are committed to the existing series beyond 2007, with the rest – mainly teams with major car manufacturer partners – at war with Bernie Ecclestone and FIA chief Max Mosley.