Ecclestone, Mosley, predict the survival of Honda

F1 leaders Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley seem convinced that a buyer will be found for the Honda team.

Less than 50 days before the start of the season in Australia, there is still no new owner of Honda Motor Company.

But when Bernie Ecclestone, F1’s chief financier, was asked if 10 teams will be present on the Melbourne grid, he told the German news agency DPA: « I think that will be the case. »

Max Mosley, president of the FIA, met with journalists in London and estimated a 70% probability of a positive outcome for the Japanese team.

I am not aware of the entire file, but I have a feeling that the circumstances are conducive to optimism.

He indicated that an attempt to buy out the company, led by Nick Fry and Ross Brawn, is going to be concluded.

« They will succeed. They are two very competent people. Just talking to people around the team is enough to feel this optimism, » Mosley continued.

However, like Ecclestone, the Briton insisted that dropping to 18 cars in 2009 will have no lasting damage.

« We could establish a plan for 2010 that would allow a small team dependent on another team to be present in Formula 1 without losing money. »

« I think the time of billionaires in our sport is over. »