GPMA confirms Ecclestone-talks

The GPMA, Grand Prix Manufacturers Association, (BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Toyota) confirms it has made 'significant progress' in talks with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone about the future of F1 beyond 2007.

Earlier this week, the British press reported that Ecclestone was close to secure a new commercial agreement with the GPMA-members. A spokesperson of the GPMA confirmed today that the 'F1-rebels' would go into further talks with Ecclestone during this weekend's Grand Prix in Bahrain.

“We will of course meet with the commercial rights holder this weekend. Significant progress has been made and we hope to address several of the outstanding issues. But it’s too early to predict any outcome. We don’t want to speculate but things are moving in the right direction.”