So here we go again, after a couple of months without major scandal Formula 1 returns to it's favourite past time of dragging its name through the mud. This time it's Renault who stand accused of race fixing at last years inaugural Singapore grand prix by telling there driver NelsonPiquet Jr. to crash, which resulted in a safety car that allowed his team mate Alonso jump from 15th on the grid in to a race winning position.

I first head about this story on Sunday night whilst looking for some race review's for spa so I could relive the joy of Ferrari's first win this season and since then my mind has not stopped thinking about the possible implications this could have if it is proved to be the case.

The first one that jumped to mind would be the effect on last year's championship and after a bit of work I produced a championship table based on Alonso being disqualified.

Official results

1. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren, 98 pts.)
2. Felipe Massa (Ferrari, 97 pts.)
3. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari, 75 pts.)
4. Robert Kubica (BMW, 75 pts.)
5. Fernando Alonso (Renault, 61 pts.)
6. Nick Heidfeld (BMW, 60 pts.)
7. Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren, 53 pts.)
8. Sebastian Vettel (Toro Rosso, 35 pts.)
9. Jarno Trulli (Toyota, 31 pts.)
10. Timo Glock (Toyota, 25 pts.)
11. Mark Webber (Red Bull, 21 pts.)
12. Nelson Piquet Jnr. (Renault, 19 pts.)
13. Nico Rosberg (Williams, 17 pts.)
14. Rubens Barrichello (Honda, 11 pts.)
15. Kazuki Nakajima (Williams, 9 pts.)
16. David Coulthard (Red Bull, 8 pts.)
17. Sebastien Bourdais (Toro Rosso, 4 pts.)
18. Jenson Button (Honda, 3 pts.)

Results if Alonso was DQ

1. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren, 100 pts.) (+ 2 points)
2. Felipe Massa (Ferrari, 97 pts.)
3. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari, 75 pts.)
4. Robert Kubica (BMW, 75 pts.)
5. Nick Heidfeld (BMW, 61pts.) ( + 1 point)
6. Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren, 53 pts.)
7. Fernando Alonso (Renault, 51 pts.) v2 ( - 10 points)
8. Sebastian Vettel (Toro Rosso, 36pts.) ( + 1 point)
9. Jarno Trulli (Toyota, 31 pts.)
10. Timo Glock (Toyota, 21pts.) ( + 1 point)
11. Mark Webber (Red Bull, 21 pts.)
12. Nico Rosberg (Williams, 19 pts.) ^1 (+ 2 points)
13. Nelson Piquet Jnr. (Renault, 19 pts.) v1
14. Rubens Barrichello (Honda, 11 pts.)
15. Kazuki Nakajima (Williams, 9 pts.) ( + 1 point)
16. David Coulthard (Red Bull, 9pts.) ( + 1 point)
17. Sebastien Bourdais (Toro Rosso, 4 pts.)
18. Jenson Button (Honda, 3 pts.) ( + 1 point)

On the face of it very little has changed but then members of the F1pu started to discuss what effect the safety car had on the race and we realised that without it Massa would never have had that horrendous pit stop that caused him to drop from 1st to last. So had Piquet not crashed who knows how the last few races of 2008 would have played out and whether Hamilton would have become Championship?

Then on Monday an interview with Bernie Ecclestone was one of the first to voice the possibility that this incident could signal the end of Renault's involvement in F1. Given that match fixing has ruined the reputation and Career of individuals in other sports it is a very real possibility that a Manufacture who relies on it's reputation to sell cars may take such a step and although the company recently signed a concord agreement to keep it in the sport until 2012 they may decide it would be easier to go through all the effort required for a pull out rather than risk further scandal. Bernie also speculated that if found guilty they could face a penalty even greater than the $100millon fine issued to McLaren during spy-gate

If Renault is found guilty, even if it is only in the eyes of the fans and not the sports governing body, then it would be a great loss for the sport as a whole. Firstly the fact that the result of the 2008 championship will be, in the eyes of some, tainted and it would be a tragic end to one of the most exciting championship in recent year.
Secondly the possible loss of another manufacture, and perhaps even more importantly engine provider, will probably put off other manufactures from joining the sport, as well as making the remaining ones question there participation

But as I mentioned at I the title every cloud has a silver lining and even if this one only applies to me and a handful of others I'm still going to share it with you. The fact is this story, true or not, could have disastrous effects on Alonso's supposed move to Ferrari. A move that for the past year I have been trying to deny will ever happen.

The reason why is that I am a massive Ferrari fan but I cannot stand Fernando Alonso and I am willing to look long and hard for any excuse to stop the two combining, which is what I am desperately doing with this latest scandal.

The general consensus before this news story broke was that Massa would occupy one seat at Ferrari next year and after paying off Raikkonen and replace him with Alonso. The belief I am holding on to is that a combination of the Fin's upwards turn in performance (culminating in a win in spa) and yet another black mark on Alonso's reputation may makeFerrari think again.

The way I see it is that Alonso attracts scandal, it is widely documented that Alonso provided some of the most damning evidence when McLaren were investigated during the spy scandal, and now he has managed to get himself involved in what could potentially be an even bigger scandal which he is going to struggle to deny any involvement in given that it was him who benefitted from it.

Even if he does move to Ferrari any evidence that he may have cost Massa the championship last year may ultimately cause friction within the team and if he thought McLaren had it in for him in 2007 then he would be in even more trouble at Ferrari who adore the little Brazilian, possibly even more than McLaren support Hamilton.
What effect this incident could have on the driver's relationship is difficult to predict. Massa seems set to return to the cockpit at the beginning of 2010 and having a new team mate, who supposedly cost you your first world championship, may result in tension between the two as well as an even greater effort from the Brazilin to prove himself top dog.

Of course it is still early days and so who knows what could be the outcome of this latest scandal, but if Alonso isn't driving for Ferrari next season because of it at least someone will be happy.

With the end of the FIA Vs FOTA war I haven't had much to rant about for a while, luckily as F1's so called silly season starts up for this season I have been presented with an opportunity to get something off my chest. Below is my team by team prediction of what next year's grid will look like and my opinion on it.

Ferrari
Kimi Raikkonen
Felipe Massa

I thought it was best to get the most difficult one out the way first. In a lot of people's mind Fernando Alonso will be occupying a seat at Ferrari next year but a combination of denial on my part and some investigative journalism by those in the know mean there will be no change at the Scuderia next year, unless they manage to get the 3 car proposal through. Putting my own opinion to one side the fact is that both Raikkonen and Massa want to drive for Ferrari next year and both have contracts that allow them to do so. The case against this consist of 2 factors: firstly Massa may not be fit, but given his current rate of recovery that should not be an issue. Secondly many believe Kimi wants to swap F1 for rallying due to a lack of interest in F1 at the moment. But has recent performances coupled with the fact he has stated he feels like racing for at least another season mean Ferrari or another team would have to pay top dollar to get him out of his current contract. My question for you is if you were Ferrari would you pay millions to get rid of the only driver that is currently able to drive for you in the hope the other one recover's ok and your possible replacement has the potential to separate F1's happiest family?

McLaren
Lewis Hamilton
Nico Rosberg

With Hamilton over spygate and tied into a contract for the next few years the only question regarding McLaren's line up is who will partner him, and my money is on Rosberg replacing Kovalainen. Funnily enough I actually believe that BMW pulling out will be the straw that broke the camels back for Heikki's McLaren's career as Rosberg's search for a more competitive team will lead him to choose McLaren over Williams now that BMW are out of the picture. It is common knowledge that Mercedes want a German driver at McLaren in order to improve 'brand appeal' back in Germany and looking at the current crop Rosberg is probably the best man for the job and it also helps his case that he gets on considerably better with a certain Lewis Hamilton compared to a former McLaren driver despite what he may claim. The only sticking point is whether Rosberg believes he will play a supporting role to Hamilton rather than being free to race as an equal.

Brawn GP
Jenson Button
Rubens Barrichello

With Ross Brawn at the helm and the helm, a title winning car and the finances in place for next year there seems little reason why either driver would want to leave Brawn. Button should win the drivers title this year and given that he stuck with the team last winter it seems unlikely he would leave this winter. His team mate is unlikely to leave given that Barrichello won for the first time in five years with the team at the weekend and would struggle to get another drive due to his age. With Ross Brawn hinting that he has no reason to change drivers it hardly seems like the Brazilian will be given the push and a couple more wins like last weekend should seal the deal.

Red Bull
Mark Webber
Sebastian Vettel

Already announced for next season so not much more I can add, except it maybe worth keeping an eye on Adrian Newey as recent speculation suggests he may retire at the end of the season and the knock on effect could be devastating for the team if he decides to go.

Renault
Fernando Alonso
Robert Kubica

Many expect Kubica to replace Alonso but I believe that they may end up together for a season before Alonso moves to Ferrari in 2011. On paper this actually looks like a great line up given that the two are both competitive drivers who, more importantly, get on. Flavio is never one to miss and opportunity and given that he has missed out on Kubica twice before this maybe his last opportunity to snag the talented pole. It would also help Renault in the constructors if they had two competent drivers for once. The only question is whether Kubica continues to struggle in an uncompetitive car would continue to plague him like they have this season.

Williams
Nico Hunlkenberg
Heikki Kovalainen

This really depends on who supplies Williams' engines next year as if they fail to terminate their contract with Toyota they will inevitably end up with Nakajima. They may also manage to hold on to Rosberg so it may not be all change for the team but that seems unlikely. Whether one or both drivers leave it seems likely that Hunlkenberg will be promoted from his current position as test driver given his success in GP2. Kovalainen is a bit of a left field choice but I think he would fit the bill at Williams as a competent and consistent driver who will put a lot of effort into helping the team succeed.

Toyota
Timo Glock
Kazuki Nakajima

With Trulli on the way out and Nakajima's seat under threat at Williams his parent company Toyota may decide to save his career, if only to help there image back home. The fact is that although Glock is a good choice as a solid second driver they really need to get a driver of star quality if they ever want to win a race, but there are none interested Japanese giants, so instead it will be another season of mediocrity until they get there hands on one.

Torro Rosso
Sebastian Buemi
Jaime Alguersuari

Whether this is how they will finish the season is another matter but as long as both the rookie's keep up their consistent form between now and the end of the year then they should avoid another reshuffle at Torro Rosso.

Force India
Adrian Sutil
Vitantonio Liuzzi

While Sutil continues to be regarded as a man who should be at a top team by everyone except the top teams he is likely to receive a new team mate for 2010. In a recent interview with Liuzzi he barely managed to conceal the fact he will be back on the grid next season and this is most likely to happen as a result of a promotion from test driver by Force India.

BMW
Kristian Klien
Nick Heifield

If the team are saved it seems unlikely they will hold on to Kubica or manage to entice Rosberg and so will be stuck with go old consistent Heifeld and will probably promote Klien who, like his old friend Liuzzi, has been speaking out about a possible drive next year. With the main priority being to save the team inside it will be a case of getting what ever drivers they can.

USF1
Insert young American drivers name here
Jacques Villeneuve

Given that Villeneuve hasn't said much about a possible F1 return for a while, as well as being Canadian and an ex-world Champion it is possible he has a place with the all American team. He will no doubt partner a young American driver and although many want to believe Danica Patrick will get a seat her future seems to be in NASCAR so the second seat will be filled by someone who most people this side of the Atlantic will never have heard of.

Campos
Pedro De la Rosa
RomainGrosjean

De La Rosa seems a cert for a drive at Campos next year the team will be hopping he does better than another long term test driver who recently went racing again. With Grosjean still appearing to lack some experience at Renault a drive next to the more experienced De la Rosa in a smaller team could be exactly what he needs and allow him to follow a more traditional progression as a rookie.

Manor
Jarno Trulli
Nelson Piquet

Given how little is known about Manor's plan for next year I've played it safe with two drivers with experience that will probably be available next year although there is every chance Manor will offer a seat to a Rookie who currently drivers for them in GP2

I thought that it was about time I gave something back to the F1 community and so have decided to post a list of my top F1 websites and hopefully some of you will find them useful and will expand there knowledge of the sport. This is why the F1 passion Union does not feature but I would recommend to anyone getting in to the sport.

11. Crash.net
Starting off this list is crash.net, a news focused website which covers a range of motorsports.

When I first started increasing my interest in the sport this was one of my favourite websites, unfortunately overtime I began to realise that a lot of its news articles were either rumour or designed to stoke the flames of anger between fans. The other feature which put me off was the comments that fans could leave which were normally just full of insults and offered nothing to the topic.

10. Gpupdates.net
GPupdates is another news heavy website who's unique feature is GPupdates TV, which is the title given to the various videos they create relating to motorsport.

I started following this website when it was the first to break the news of Honda's withdrawal and hoped for many more scoops in the future, which as yet haven't happened. Gpupdates TV isn't bad although does appear to be aimed at fans new to the sport. As this is still only a one hit wonder I my book it only just scrapes the top 10.

9. ITV.com/F1
The F1 website is a shadow of its former self but credit to ITV for keeping it going even after losing the F1 to the BBC.

In my opinion at its peak the ITV website was probably better than the BBC current offering, with a range of blogs that were more in depth and better written than the BBC currently offer, as well as reasonably up to date news feed and live video during f1 weekends. Unfortunately now it has lost the F1 right the website is slowly falling apart with no more video, a dwindling news service and only blogs from James Allen, half of which are copied from his own website. The only thing still going strong are the race features, such as the grand prix previews and drivers form card.

8. Formula1.com
The Official Formula One website covers a range of areas from news, to technical analysis and interviews to videos.

I have to say that this is what we have come to expect of FOM and doesn't really deliver given its potential. The first criticism I have is that the news is not kept up to date and also seems to be miss many of the big news stories to the point I wonder if it is worth having at all. This feeling of good idea poorly executed is echoed by other parts of the website. The interviews are pretty unique for a website but they aren't as hard hitting as those in magazines, such as F1 racing. The same can be said for the videos and the technical analysis which just aren't quite as good as you feel they could be.

7. F1-Technical
For those who find the inner working's of the cars more interesting than the drivers this is the place for you.

The technical articles on this website are second to none but the real secret to getting the most out of this website is the forum which is full of lots of friendly and knowledgeable F1 fans waiting to get there teeth into analysing every new update. With dedicated threads to each car full of images and analysis this is the place to find out about the inner working of your favourite car. The only weakness is that activity only really picks up during a race weekend and the news feed, which does a good job of keeping up to date but lacks any real depth about each story.

6. BBC sport/ Formula 1
The BBC completely overhauled there F1 website upon securing the rights to this season but there is still room for improvement.

The BBC website is similar to the old ITV one in that it covers news, blogs and videos. The difference is that some are done better than other. The videos/ live streaming has undergone the biggest improvement as it now covers all three practice sessions and also has commentary and timings which the ITV one bizarrely lacked both of. Unfortunately the news isn't as good as other websites and is stuffed to the right hand side of the page among a bunch of other feature. The blogs are good but could do with more regular features from Ted Kravitz and Lee McKenzie and I still don't like the BBC layout as the articles are full of hyperlinks and the page feels a bit bland.

5. James Allen on F1
The former F1 commentator now rights his own blog, some of which are rather good.

It's amazing how swapping a microphone for a laptop has made James Allen go up in my opinion, maybe it's the fact he can't shout at me across the internet. His blogs are a bit infrequent but his knowledge of the inner workings means that he is one of the best people to go to when getting to grips with F1's latest scandal. My only minor gripe is that he calls his race preview "how the race will unfold" which doesn't exactly make the sport sound a bit predictable and boring.

4. F1 Fanatic
Keith Collantine runs one of the best F1 blogs on the internet with plenty of features written by a man who knows his sport.

I have been following the blog for a couple of months now and it is a real testament to the commitment of F1 fans. I'd say there were on average new 2 articles posted a day which covers a range of matters in the sport. He is also one of the few to use the lap time data in his race features to back up his conclusions. You really have to sample this website for yourself to fully appreciate the range of features on offer here, there really is something for everyone and only the lack of a decent news feed keeps it out of the top 3.

3. PlanetF1
Probably the most complete F1 website on the net, and the only one who seems willing to poke fun at the sport.

This website is probably the one I would chose if I could only visit 1 website. It has a decent news feed as well as an active forum but it's really draw for me is the features. These are some of the best and most interesting articles about F1 on the internet that are not afraid of mocking some of the sports biggest personalities and have brought a smile to my face on many occasions. It also offers plenty of features relating to a grand prix weekend, including: Grand prix Previews, Reports on Friday practice, Qualifying and the Race, A few conclusions about the Grand prix, Winners and losers, What the papers say and Team mate wars.

2. Autosport.com
One of the best website for Motorsport news on the internet that is nearly always up to date, just a shame that you have to pay to get access to the columns.

Autosport.com is a favourite at the F1 passion union thanks to its news feed which always has the latest headlines as well as a well laid out articles making a dream to post. The only criticisms are that it misses some of the smaller news stories and that you have to subscribe to get access to the columns.

1. F1-live
Probably the best F1 site for those who want to say in the know, and offers news for other top motorsport series and there is plenty of extra's available for those who don't wish to pay for membership.

Now I realise that all the criticisms I have of Autosport same here so why is it any better so let me explain. I realise that having a news only site as number one is a bit flawed but this is so good at it I think it warrants the top spot in this list. It is the best at delivering up to date news and also covers the smaller news stories in something called "news in brief" in which a number of smaller stories form one post. It also right a small review of each team after testing and races which contain various quotes from team members. Away from the news side there are tonnes of videos and pictures available as well as live timing screens during race weekends.

I suppose that the main conclusion from this is that there is no one perfect F1 site but that there is something out there for everyone.

If I have missed any sites, or if you disagree with my order, feel free to leave a comment below.

Much like the economy Formula One has gone through its darkest hour and thankfully someone has opened the blinds and let in the light that leads the way to a better future.

Since the departure of Honda at the end of last year much has changed and if I'm honest part of me is struggling to keep up, for some reason i keep expecting to wake up and be watching a 2009 season that takes off where 2008 left off with the right sized wings and the usual contenders at the front, but that's probably just me.

Anyway as I was saying F1 has changed and although it may not have been entirely necessary for the sport to nearly self destruct many fans are holding on to the belief that out of this will come a far stronger sport that is better for everyone involved. Whether that is the case remains to be seen but we can at least speculate on some of the short term results from this dispute.

The first result is that the teams care about F1 and its fans a lot, especially the manufactures. Even though some fans would prefer not to have the championship decided by who spends the most at least the teams were willing to acknowledge what the fans want. Some cynics may say that this was just the big teams attempt to win the sympathy vote but I believe that it was much more than that. After endless speculation as to which manufacture may leave F1 I feel that they cast those doubts aside when they announced the break away. Both Renault and Toyota have been linked with a move away from F1 in recent years yet alongside Ferrari it was these teams who were pushing ahead with the new series, with Flavio dealing with the commercial side and Howett being one of the more vocal opposition to the FIA.

Secondly Mosley's time has passed. Credit where credit is due Max reacted to the issue of safety in the 90's in a way no many other men would have and as a result F1 has not suffered a driver fatality since. Unfortunately when this crisis came along times had changed and Max hadn't kept up. Firstly as I mentioned before Max's reputation was still recovering at the time and he is not the feared man he once was. Secondly the teams are not just here to race anymore, they are united and they are more powerful than ever before and Max underestimated this. If he had been more careful he could have a budget cap in place months ago if he had acknowledged the teams were happy at £150 million rather than going behind there back and trying to set it at £40 million. Now Max is acting like a child with ADHD desperate for someone to listen to his threats about standing for another term. If he had kept up with the changes in F1 he could have left withy his head held high as the man who secured the future of F1 with a budget cap in place, instead many will remember him as the man who nearly killed F1.

The third conclusion is that Bernie is a shadow of his former self. Many predicted that Bernie would be the man to broker peace between FOTA and the FIA but instead he was very much left to play spectator and he didn't even appear to be any good at that as he seemed utterly bewildered when the media asked him about the possible breakaway series. I was also surprised to hear Flavio would be helping Bernie improve the show in years to come, now would the Bernie of the past allowed an assistant, even if it is a close friend, to be forced upon him.

Lastly, but I think most importantly, people still want to get involved with F1. The number of applicants to the FIA was astounding and although some of them were more plausible than others there were still some very plausible entries, such as Prodrive, that would be a credit to the sport and hopefully this is an indication that there is still an interest in Formula 1 and that in many peoples eyes it is still the pinnacle of motorsport.

Hopefully the optimists are right and F1 will improve for the better with grids that improve in both quality as well as quantity, a better spectacle that takes in to account the views of the fans and a break from the politics that allows us to enjoy the action on the track with the security the sport will still be the best in the world for years to come.

Is it interesting how much has changed between my last entry and this one (See here) back then the idea of a breakaway series seemed preposterous and many of us expected there to be some form of agreement in place by now.

Instead we are in the middle of what is undoubtedly the biggest crisis F1 has ever faced and one that could have massive repercussions for Formula one fans across the world, and could send tremors through the whole of motorsport, and it seems the chance of any winners comings out of this are practically zero.

The real shame is that this stopped being about F1 long a while back and now appears to have become a battle of egos, which in my opinion originates from an event that would appear to have very little to do with budget caps and technical regulations. This may surprise some of you but I am in fact talking about last years Sex scandal.

Ever since the News of the world published the story about what Max Mosley gets up to in his spare time he has been a laughing stock, not only in motor racing circles but in the eyes of the mass media, and ever since Honda pulled out of Formula one I believe Max has been trying to use the budget cap as some for of imaging salvaging opportunity. In many ways I can't blame him as he does deserve to be remembered for such achievements such as his contributions to safety rather than his slightly more unusual pastimes, unfortunately it appears he has let his personal motives get in the way of what is best for the sport and he is part of the reason why we have ended up in the mess we are in now.
This hasn't been helped by the FIA stance on the matter who after initially seeming willing to let there president run the show have now put there weight behind Max which has left him in a position similar to the one Davy Ryan put Lewis in back in Melbourne where he is unable to make any changes to his position as he risks coming under heavy fire from the FIA.

Of course in any disputes there are always to sides to the argument and the role of FOTA is just as important. Even though the FIA have, in the last few days, tried to make out that FOTA are the villains of the piece it is clear that in many peoples eyes FOTA have been more reasonable side in this argument and in general I would go along with this view.
From the start FOTA have made it clear they had they were not only representing themselves but also the views of F1 fans across the globe, which in general they have done. The other big reason for there support is that they have been more proactive in trying to find a solution, as well as trying to find ways to resolve the FIA fears of an exodus with a new concordat.
Compare this with the actions of the FIA who have not changed much since they came up with the £40 million budget cap apart from dropping the two tier system.
This in no way means they are without fault with the major issue being that each team has there own agenda with teams like Ferrari and Toyota opposed to any form of budget cap whereas teams like Brawn wishing that any cap imposed was higher that the proposed £40million. There is also the issue that teams like Toyota, Renault and BMW will walk away from the sport regardless of what, if any, agreement is made.
The other issue, as I mentioned earlier, is that this is now a battle of egos that goes far beyond a simple budget cap and FOTA decide to take this opportunity to try and change the way the sport was governed in order to make sure that there was far more stability in the suture, a noble intention but unfortunately that helped to fuel the flames of disagreement between the FIA and FOTA and has now left them in a similar position to Max where they cannot back down for the fear of losing face. Something which would be a bitter pill for the manufactures to swallow given that being humbled but the sports governing body in not going to help there brand in an already difficult market, and will also not please the sponsors who they represent.

It is a real shame that the positive mentality from those initial meetings in December has been lost by both parties as I honestly believe that if they had not got there personal agendas involved we could now be looking forward to a more sustainable form of F1 next season with a greater number of closely matched teams competing in a sport that would still be deemed the pinnacle of motorsport in the eyes of the general public.

In many ways I can see Friday being one of the darkest days in Formula Ones recent history where politics eventually succeeds in achieving something it has been threatening to do for sometime and manages to tear the heart and soul out of F1. With both sides no closer to a resolution they both seem to be more interested in blaming each other for a split whilst employing to school yard technique of trying to get the bigger kids to fight there battle for them with FOTA turning to the European manufactures and World motorsport council for help and Max Mosley the combined might of the FIA and Bernie. Regardless of whether the manufactures set up another series F1 will be left as a shadow of its former self with a relatively inexperienced grid still trying to find there feet and attempt to fill the massive shoes left by the combined technical and financial of the manufactures that has, in my opinion, raised F1 to another level and proved the old adage right of 'quality over quantity'.

As for the matter of what a rival series would mean for both sides, I believe that is something for another day and another rant.

I think the problem is that the FIA and Max need to take some time to get the budget cap right for everyone but I am starting to think that maybe Max and the FIA have got it into there heads that time is running out, ill come back to that point later.

What I think the FIA should do is to take the current set of teams and give them a budget cap of say £100 million and over the course of lets say 5 years bring it down to a level that the FIA want and that new teams coming into the sport feel happy with. This may mean it is a number of years before we see grid sizes increase but it will mean that most of the current teams will still be involved and will be able to make the necessary cut backs at a rate they feel comfortable with and should mean the budget cap won't have to massive impact on the quality of the racing.

This would also mean any new team would have a far better idea of the business model they would need to operate and so should find joining the sport a lot easier as they won't be the first ones to run under a budget cap.

It also means that areas such as the enforcement of the budget cap and any technical changes can be properly tested so that the sport will avoid facing any problems all at once which would probably happen if next years plans go ahead and there would be no two-tier f1 in place.

Unfortunately this won't happen because of the reason I alluded to above which is time, or rather the lack of it. I believe there are 2 reasons why the FIA think there are against the clock when it comes to the budget cap. Firstly Max Mosley has always dreamed of a budget cap for F1 and so if he does not run for president again this year then he wants a budget cap in place before he goes or else it will never get done.

Secondly the recession won't last for ever and as soon as the economy starts to pick up again then teams aren't going to be interested in a budget cap, or at the very least a lenient one, so the FIA have to act now before it is 2 late and the opportunity to impose a cap has gone along with the possibilities of new teams.

Wow with that amount of analysis and reading between the lines maybe I should start my own column, what do you think?