FOTA - No progress

The Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) has poured cold water on suggestions from FIA president Max Mosley that the two sides are "very close" to reaching a compromise over the future of Formula One.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Mosley appeared genuine when he talked of the prospect of reaching an agreement. The 69-year-old even went so far as to suggest writs due to be served against FOTA and Ferrari on Monday would likely be delayed in the wake of conversations staged over the weekend.

However, bosses of the FOTA teams were left bemused by Mosley's remarks as they are ploughing ahead with plans for a breakaway series, regardless of whether legal action is taken against them.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh, when asked whether any progress had been made, replied: "No, I don't think so. Difficult"It's difficult to make progress on a day when you're concentrating on going motor racing. "We will see what happens in the coming few weeks, but I think it is not a situation that we set out to achieve. "We have to make sure we concentrate on keeping the teams together and making sure we are racing together in the premier form of motor racing."

FOTA are due to meet again on Thursday to discuss whatever emerges out of Wednesday's World Motor Sport Council meeting in Paris when a number of issues will be up for discussion, not least the feud between FIA and FOTA. It is a meeting due to be attended by Ferrari president and FOTA chairman Luca di Montezemolo.

FOTA maintain plans to appoint an administrator for their series, the review of circuits and their own potential new entrants are in full swing, which could force Mosley's hand. Toyota Motorsport president John Howett confirmed: "If you look at the overwhelming support we have got from the public, ultimately now there has to be a fairly significant move from the Federation.

"Overall we have a clear position and I think we made numerous concessions to achieve some sort of compromise. "Now, we have made our decision, and at the moment we are moving forwards very positively on that." ReconciliationBrawn GP boss Ross Brawn was another to reject Mosley's claim the teams would eventually come to their senses and there will only be one championship. "No, that won't happen, the decision has been made by FOTA," asserted Brawn, who has more to lose as grand prix racing is his team's sole business. "

FOTA now have to press ahead with their ideas and plans. We can't wait until January and decide which way it is going to go. "As each day passes, and each week passes, then the options for a reconciliation will reduce." Stefano Domenicali underlined Brawn's comments as the Ferrari team principal said: "Ross spoke not only for Ross, but also the teams. That is the line of all the teams. "

All of the FOTA teams have shown a great respect for the FIA, and a lot of will to find a solution and compromise. "But there is a limit where you have to act differently, or act accordingly. We have shown a very rational, professional approach."

Rational and professional are hardly terms that can be applied to Mosley after his disparaging remark in which he described certain members of FOTA as "loonies." A dismissive Domenicali said: "Someone said that we had been called loonies, but I don't think we have this approach."