Formula One: Crisis? What crisis? says F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone

Formula One commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone arrives for the drivers' parade before the first Russian Grand Prix in Sochi on Oct 12, 2014. Ecclestone denied on Saturday that Formula One is facing a financial crisis after the loss of two teams, th
Formula One commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone arrives for the drivers' parade before the first Russian Grand Prix in Sochi on Oct 12, 2014. Ecclestone denied on Saturday that Formula One is facing a financial crisis after the loss of two teams, the sport's supremo accusing the failed outfits for bad financial management. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

SAO PAULO (AFP) - Bernie Ecclestone denied that Formula One is facing a financial crisis after the loss of two teams, the sport's supremo accusing the failed outfits for bad financial management.

Speaking to reporters at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday, the 84-year-old Briton who is commercial ring-master for the sport said teams "come and go" and criticised Caterham's plan to raise cash through crowdfunding.

The Marussia team folded on Friday and Caterham are in administration.

Both teams failed to show up for the United States or Brazilian Grand Prix.

"People say F1 is in crisis," he said. "Absolute nonsense. We've had a couple of teams in crisis...

"People come and go - they need to know how much is coming in and how much is going out."

He added that he also hoped three more struggling teams - Force India, Lotus and Sauber - would survive and take part next year.

"Maybe the major four or five teams can make a contribution - for one year only," Ecclestone said, adding that the creation of a fund could also use the prize money that might have been paid to Marussia this year.

Caterham's administrators on Friday launched a plan to try to raise £2.35 million (S$4.8 million) from fans to ensure the team can race in the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

"It's up to the fans if that's what they want to do," said Ecclestone.

"Maybe people will put investment in the team... I think it's a disaster."

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