AUGUST 30, 2005

A bizarre statement from FOM (whoever that is)

There was a strange press release this evening sent out by Formula One Management and signed by Bernie Ecclestone. The message, however, was not one that seemed to ring true with Ecclestone's views in recent months.

"It has been reported that approaches have been made in relationship to the sale by the controlling shareholders of SLEC," it said. "Although the approach has been made, the answer has been that the company shares are not for sale. The shareholders are long term investors and have the interest and stability of Formula One foremost in their mind."

One can make of this what you will but given Ecclestone's distaste for publicity in such matters and the odd wording of the statement, one must conclude that there has been some pushing and shoving in the background in recent days.