D-Day

The last few days have seen a flurry of letters and press releases between the FIA and FOTA and both parties to the press. It is clear that FOTA want Max to agree to stand down. Will he agree to that? If he doesn't, the manufacturers will do their own thing next year.

It was odd that Lola withdrew their entry the other day. What does that mean? They were a strong entry, so I was surprised they didn't make the FIA cut last week. To withdraw after considerable investment in its F1 pitch and program can mean only one thing: They have done a deal with FOTA.

Prodrive, too, was notably absent from the FIA's entry list. I understand from reliable sources close to Prodrive that this is because they want to use Mercedes-Benz engines and the FIA would only allow them entry if it was with Cosworth power. I'm not sure of the legal implications of that, if it were proven to be the case. I would have thought it breaks EU competition codes. 

So if FOTA have eight current F1 teams (all except Williams and Force India) and Lola and Prodrive, that's a 20 car field made up of strong constructors.

They could be the best horse to back.