Rebel F1 teams sign up for 2008

Formula One: Formula One has moved a step closer to resolving the dispute which threatened its future after five manufacturer…

Formula One: Formula One has moved a step closer to resolving the dispute which threatened its future after five manufacturer-backed teams entered the 2008 championship.

A rebel group of five manufacturers - Honda, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes and Renault - had refused to sign up to the sport beyond 2007 in a dispute over rules and money.

Max Mosley, president of world governing body the FIA, gave the rebels a week-long window in which to enter the 2008 championship - and earn a say in how the rules are shaped.

That was due to expire on March 31st and, as expected, they have lodged their entries, with the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association, which represents their interests, confirming that move today.

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Their entries do not spell an end to discussions over the future of Formula One, with the rebels, the FIA and commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone still needing to thrash out details of an agreement.

A commercial resolution with Ecclestone is expected soon while talks over the rules can begin in earnest now.

A statement from the five manufacturers read: "There are several open issues still to be discussed and it is too early to speak of a final agreement."

The FIA are expected to announce the 2008 entry list next month and that list could include new entries from the likes of former BAR boss David Richards' Prodrive company.

Six current teams - Ferrari, Williams, Red Bull, Scuderia Toro Rosso, Midland and Super Aguri - have already concluded a deal with Ecclestone and the FIA.

Elsewhere, the FIA have revealed details of early planning for the post-2007 engine regulations. Discussions between Ferrari, Renault and Cosworth ended with proposals to limit development of engines for five years from 2008, with only modifications to aid reliability or efficiency permitted.