GPMA set to sign up for 2008Bernie Ecclestone says he is on the verge of ridding Formula One of the carmakers` `breakaway` threat.
The 75-year-old has told British newspapers that he would be `surprised` if divisions between the sport and five heated carmakers still exist when the five lights go out in Bahrain this Sunday.
The news coincides with reports that Ecclestone is offering the carmakers two seats on the board of his company, Formula One Administration, in a bid to give them more say in the running of the sport.
Hinting that a commercial resolution is already in place, Ecclestone said: “What we can agree on the technical side is dependent on how much money they want to save. I think there is a mood of conciliation now. The teams will earn double what they got before.”
Although the GPMA alliance - Mercedes, Renault, BMW, Toyota and Honda - appeared vehemently opposed to Max Mosley`s cut-price plans, Ecclestone suggested that a compromise between the extreme views had been found.
The Briton added: “We can all see the benefits of cutting costs while continuing to allow some areas of research and development.”
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