Ecclestone hoping for new teams



As Bernie Ecclestone looks for a resolution to the budget cap row that has split Formula One, there may be more interest from potential new teams. Ecclestone, the F1 chief, said a second US team are keen to join following the FIA's announcement of a proposed £40 million ceiling (Dh221.6m) for 2010. Dave Richards, the former BAR team principal and chairman of Aston Martin, is also looking to make a return by entering a team before the May 27 deadline. It could be a Gulf-backed consortium after recent talks in the Emirates.

Ecclestone said: "It will be good to see some new faces. Something like that is always good. "Who would have thought we would be talking about Brawn and Red Bull the way we are talking about them now." The proposed cap has sparked fear among the teams about a two-tier championship with those teams who do not comply with the budget restricted within the technical regulations. Ferrari have voiced their concern and talks are being planned between the teams and Max Mosley, the FIA president.

Ecclestone is confident the issue will not become embroiled in more arguments after Mosley claimed the sport would cope if Ferrari pulled out of F1. He added: "It's one of those things where Formula One is Ferrari, and Ferrari is Formula One. "It's just a marriage made in heaven, one of those super things that works well. "I don't think he [Mosley] meant what he said. He's a bit disappointed they are taking a silly attitude. We're trying to save them from stupidity.

"All we're simply doing is trying to reduce the necessity to spend to be competitive. "They can pay the drivers what they want, have bigger motor-homes, but we don't need them to spend money on racing unnecessarily." @Email:akhan@thenational.ae

Moon Music

Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tips to avoid getting scammed

1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday

2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment

3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone

4) Try not to close the sale at night

5) Don't be rushed into a sale 

6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 
Company profile

Name: Infinite8

Based: Dubai

Launch year: 2017

Number of employees: 90

Sector: Online gaming industry

Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor

Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.

Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.

For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae