FOTA chief not backing ’fake rain’ proposal

Martin Whitmarsh has admitted he does not support Bernie Ecclestone’s proposal to artificially water circuits during grands prix.

F1 chief executive Ecclestone said special irrigation systems could be set up at some circuits to randomly mimic rain, which he believes sets the stage for the most exciting races.

But Whitmarsh, team boss of the McLaren team and also chairman of the teams association FOTA, said the idea risks making F1 like the American World Wrestling tournament.

Asked by German newspaper Welt to comment on Ecclestone’s sprinkler idea, Briton Whitmarsh answered: "I think the dividing line between a sport and a pure entertainment show would not be clear enough."