Jordan backs Ecclestone, Brundle backs BBC

Eddie Jordan has backed Bernie Ecclestone’s view that formula one should usher an independent engine supplier onto the grid.

Even though the F1 Commission derailed the supremo’s plan for ’parallel’ engine rules recently, Ecclestone is still warning that the current situation - with Mercedes and Ferrari wielding enormous power - must change.

"This does not mean we want to drive the major manufacturers out of formula one — on the contrary," Ecclestone told Die Welt newspaper.

"We just want a powerful engine that can be bought cheaply and each team can use it. And when I say ’independent’ (supplier), I mean someone who is independent of the major car manufacturers."

Eddie Jordan, the former owner and boss of the independent team that is now known as Force India, backed Ecclestone in his push to redistribute the political power in formula one.

"I do not like how things have developed," he is quoted by Speed Week as having said at an awards event in London.

"With all respect to Mercedes and Ferrari, they have gained too much control. The power must again be put with those people who support the independent teams, because they are the backbone of the sport.

"The major manufacturers come and go as they like, but formula one is defined by independent teams like Williams. And that is how it will be in ten years from now," Jordan added.

Meanwhile, at the same awards event, the British broadcaster Sky’s popular race commentator Martin Brundle said he hopes the rival broadcaster BBC stays in F1 next year.

The BBC’s limited free-to-air coverage is at risk over a fee dispute with Ecclestone, but Brundle is quoted by the Telegraph: "We love the BBC, and it’s good for us at Sky because we push each other to be even better.

"I really hope they stay and stick with formula one," he added.