Thursday February 17th, 2000

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes the gap between the top two teams, Ferrari and McLaren, and the rest of the field will be smaller this year than in previous years.

Speaking in London, Bernie said, "I think Ferrari and McLaren will still probably be ahead, but that gap will close. Jordan should have a good season, the new Arrows looks good and Sauber seem to be coming out of the woodwork. But I think Frank Williams realizes he is going to be struggling this year with his new engine partnership."

Ecclestone also seemed to confirm the widely held view that he is not about to retire. After a week during which there had been a great deal of speculation about Formula One Administration and plans to sell some or all of it, Ecclestone made it clear that he was not about to give up control of it.

"Perhaps we won't sell more than 49 percent of it," he suggested. "But even if we do, it will be with a service contract in place for FOA to keep administering the practical side of the business."