Motor Sport San Marino Grand Prix: Bernie Ecclestone yesterday accused the world's leading car makers of "wasting his time" after they withdrew from a deal to take a stake in the organisation and operation of Formula One, triggering the prospect of a continuing struggle for control over the sport's multi-million dollar commercial rights income.

Last December the car-makers' alliance, GPWC, signed a memorandum of association with SLEC, the company originally founded by Ecclestone to manage the sport's income. That deal would have seen them take a major stake in the business, but BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ferrari Maserati, Ford and Renault have now found themselves unable to finalise the details of the contract and have opted to pull out.

Asked if he felt that the car companies might attempt to go ahead with a rival world championship in 2008, Ecclestone remarked scornfully: "Probably, maybe." He added: "They (GPWC) wanted to be the regulators, which could never happen. We (SLEC) have a 100-year deal with the FIA (to promote the championship) and they (the FIA) are the regulators. If they want to organise their own world championship, they can.

"We planned to give the teams an extra $700 million up to 2007 than would normally be paid under the current terms of the Concorde agreement. They said they could commit themselves to Formula One until 2014. Then they said they could not commit.

"All we wanted was a new Concorde agreement beyond 2007. So why were they wasting our time?"

Professor Jurgen Hubbert, the DaimlerChrysler board director who is also chairman of GPWC, explained: "When we realised that our commitment to implement the memorandum of understanding was not met by the other parties we had to make decisions in the best interest of the sport and end negotiations."

Formula One insiders were left speculating as to whether the car makers would really attempt to press ahead with their own series or were effectively capitulating in their battle with Ecclestone. With FIA president Max Mosley having announced controversial new proposals for changes to the Formula One regulations from 2008, the signs are that the governing body is determined to assert its authority over potential renegades.

The Mosley package includes 2.4-litre V8 engines, which would have to last for two race weekends; standardised engine control units; no traction control or electronic differentials; no power steering and standardised brake components. It is also proposes a single tyre supplier and drastic limitations on private testing. There would be a new combined tyre and aerodynamic package to be published no later than December 31st, in conjunction with narrower front tyres and wider rears in a bid to generate increased drag.

Norbert Haug, the Mercedes motorsport vice-president, said: "I think the FIA's proposals contain some quite good ideas, but we need to come to decisions, and the problem at the moment is that the need for unanimity (under the Concorde agreement) results in most decisions getting blocked. I think a majority voting system would help."

Meanwhile, Jenson Button and Takuma Sato underlined their determination to carry the battle to Ferrari here. They pushed Michael Schumacher as hard as they could to finish the day second and third behind the world champion, who set the pace as usual.

Meanwhile, Jordan have ruled out Jos Verstappen making a Formula One comeback with them this season despite teaming up with the Dutch driver's long-term sponsor Trust.

Team boss Eddie Jordan told reporters he would do what he could to help the 32-year-old should an opportunity arise elsewhere, but Germany's Nick Heidfeld and Italian Giorgio Pantano were staying as his drivers.

"We tried very hard to put something together which for a number of reasons didn't happen," Jordan said here yesterday, referring to protracted pre-season negotiations with Verstappen.

"I have made my choice with the drivers I have, and that's what the contract says and that's what will continue.

"Having said that, there could be a testing agreement with somebody, there could be a big team needs a driver. . . if we can help him in any way we will do."

Jordan also would not rule out the Dutchman returning next year.

There has been considerable speculation in The Netherlands that Verstappen could replace Heidfeld, who has been doing a good job in his first season with the team but lacks funding, or rookie Pantano.

"I think he (Verstappen) is a good driver and I've known him a very long time. I'd like to help him if I can. He tried very hard to drive for us this year but sometimes right at the end it doesn't happen," said Jordan.

Verstappen has been in Formula One off and on since 1994 and has one of the more vocal fan clubs.

Jordan said this year that he had received a spate of threatening messages from irate Dutch fans after the negotiations collapsed.