Thiessen: FOTA keeping options open

BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen has confirmed FOTA are keeping “all options open” as their row with the FIA rumbles on.

The peace agreement struck in Paris just over two weeks ago between FIA president Max Mosley, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone and FOTA chairman Luca di Montezemolo has crumbled within the past two days.

The situation has not been helped by what Theissen has described as “irritating elements”, arguably di Montezemolo for initally crowing in the wake of the €45m budget cap being scrapped, and Mosley for responding in a seemingly childish manner.

Although there is confidence the matter will be resolved within the next fortnight, whilst a degree of uncertainty remains, so does the threat of a breakaway series.

“All three parties are negotiating, almost permanently now, making slow but steady progress, but we are not there yet,” said Theissen.

“We still don’t have an agreement, so we cannot sit back and wait. We have to keep all options open, which means we have to look at other courses (of action) as well.”