Bernie denies 20 race contract promise

Bernie Ecclestone

(GMM) Bernie Ecclestone has denied he might be steering into contractual trouble due to the beleaguered fortunes of Honda's formula one team.

According to long-standing paddock speculation, the F1 chief executive's contracts with race promoters and TV broadcasters promise a grid of at least twenty cars.

Should Honda not find a buyer for its Brackley based team before the start of the forthcoming season, 2009 will feature just 18 cars.

"There will be 20 cars because you can expect Honda to be sold," the 78-year-old billionaire told the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

"Even if that is not the case, it would not be a problem. If we can reduce the costs enough, there will be plenty of teams who want to participate in the world championship," Ecclestone added.

He said there is no such clause on the agreements with promoters and broadcasters guaranteeing 20 cars on the grid.

"That's typical formula one. There is no such rule," the diminutive Briton insisted. "People talk about things even when they do not understand."