Ecclestone - No 'two-tier' F1

Bernie Ecclestone says Formula One will not see two sets of rules in 2010, despite plans to introduce a budget cap.

Manufacturer-backed teams against the introduction of the £40 million cap announced by the FIA last month have argued that it will result in a 'two-tier' competition - one for those adhering to the cap and another for teams choosing to spend more freely.

Given that teams signing up to the cap are set to receive greater technical freedoms in return, those against the move are worried that they will be placed at a significant performance disadvantage.

Crunch talks held on Friday between the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) and FIA president Max Mosley to discuss the situation ended in stalemate over the imposition of a cap.

However, Ecclestone, who was also present at the meeting, has suggested that Formula One will nevertheless run to just one set of rules in 2010.

"I think the most important thing that upset everybody was this two-tier system," the sport's commercial rights controller said.

"I think it's been agreed that we shouldn't do it, we should have just one set of regulations.

"I think everybody is more or less happy with the budget cap. Just how much. They'll go with it higher [than £40 million], maybe it'll be lower. It's a case of just sorting it out.

"Everyone will be under the same regulations."

Ferrari, Renault, Toyota and both Red Bull teams all said last week they will not enter the 2010 championship unless the FIA scraps its plan.

However, they appear to have an ally in Ecclestone, who told the Daily Mail he was confident they would all be on the grid in 2010.

"I always thought that was a bit stupid," he added. "It was important to get rid of it.

"I am confident all the teams will still be racing next year."