[HHugo]

According to reports, the European Minardi team may not make it to the French Grand Prix due to a serious shortage of funds. Paul Stoddart has revealed that the British GP in early July could be the final one they compete in if the issue of television money, delayed by the appearance of Phoenix Finance Limited, is not resolved quickly.

With the liquidation of Prost GP earlier this year, Minardi inherited tenth place in the 2001 constructors battle, making the estimated 12 million dollars from the annual breakdown of television money rightfully theirs. However with the ongoing saga presented by Charles Nickerson and Arrows boss Tom Walkinshaw, it is unknown when the small team will be able to collect the necessary funds to keep them in active competition.

Despite Phoenix's claims that they have the right to enter the 2002 championship, their argument was thrown out of court in the lead up to the Monaco Grand Prix, however they intend to appeal the matter, leaving the position of the final tenth place wide open. Stoddart told the BBC that the whole matter is a joke and he is hoping that other teams back them up on this issue.

"It is annoying, frustrating would be the right word," Stoddart said. "Our budget has been withheld because of the Phoenix issue. We know we're owed a very substantial amount. It is time the other teams said 'Enough is enough - let Minardi have their money.'"

bron: www.F1-live.com

Dat ze maar gauw korte metten maken met Phoenix. enough is enough