Friday 19th December 2008

Red faces at the FIA after it was revealed that an agreement with Ferrari meant they would receive US$80 million more than any of their competitors for winning the constructors championship. Insiders had been aware of the deal which was done in 2003 at a time Ferrari were rumoured to be heading a breakaway. Bernie Ecclestone was unashamed. “We ‘bought’ Ferrari,” he said. “We ‘bought’ Ferrari’s loyalty.” He admitted to the arrangement after stinging attacks from Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo.