Ecclestone going nowhere

Bernie Ecclestone has rubbished rumours he is to ’move upstairs’ in the wake of a turbulent time for the Formula One supremo.

Ecclestone came in for considerable criticism following recent remarks seemingly praising former Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, and some critics believe that, at the age of 78, it is perhaps time for him to take a backseat in the sport.

There have also been suggestions he has lost his touch around the negotiating table given the FIA-FOTA war that has raged for more than two months.

It is known FOTA have spent considerably more time dealing with CVC, Formula One’s commercial rights holder, than with Ecclestone himself in recent weeks in an attempt to resolve the matter.

But a defiant Ecclestone said: “Any story suggesting I’m going anywhere is completely untrue. I don’t know where they came from.”

Donald MacKenzie, managing partner at CVC, further supported those remarks and praised Ecclestone for the role he plays, even if the comments about Hitler have soured his standing of late.

“Bernie Ecclestone will remain in his post,” asserted MacKenzie.

“There’s no question of moving him into an honorary position or upstairs. There has never been any doubt about that.”