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Civil war F1 carmakers want to form rival circuit
Updated: Thursday April 26, 2001 10:35 AM
ROME (AP) -- European carmakers in Formula One have decided to form a rival racing circuit because of a dispute over broadcasting rights and plans by a German media company to buy into the series. Fiat executive Paolo Cantarella, chairman of European carmakers association, announced the move Wednesday. Fiat controls Ferrari, the Italian racing and luxury sports car company. Besides Ferrari, other carmakers agreeing to the decision are Ford's Jaguar, BMW, Renault and Daimler Chrysler. Auto racing's world governing body said from its Swiss headquarters that it could approve the new series if international rules and safety requirements are met. There was no indication when the rival circuit might be established. Cantarella said the decision was taken "as a result of recent developments and in the best interests of motor sports." German broadcasting giant Kirch Group AG moved a step closer last week to entering Formula One when its plan to buy into the circuit was approved by German antitrust authorities.
Kirch intends to buy a stake in German media concern EM.TV and Merchandising AG. The carmakers are wary of Kirch playing a key role because of its role as a major broadcaster. Racing fans are concerned the sport will be taken off free TV and shown only on Kirch's pay cable network. Kirch has insisted the races will remain on free TV. EM.TV and Kirch jointly control 75 percent of Formula One, with the remainder owned by British racing entrepreneur Bernie Ecclestone. Ecclestone's office said he wasn't available for comment Wednesday. "This sport is very important. We are involved in it with a lot of energy and resources," Cantarella said at an industrialists' meeting in Rome. "We want to guarantee for this sport an orderly future, a future in which all the fans and spectators can get the most out of this entertainment."
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