F1: Ecclestone wants third cars next year

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Formula 1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone believes third cars should be considered for next year even if all the current teams survive.

With a number of outfits facing financial difficulties, the possibility of bigger squads being called upon to run an extra car has emerged as one potential outcome for 2015. But it would only become enacted if at least three of the current teams fell off the grid – something that is unlikely to happen. Even so, Ecclestone suggested ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix that he would like to push on with the third car idea.

"It's always been on the cards that if we lose up to three teams then the other teams will run three cars," he said. "I think we should do it anyway.

"I would rather see Ferrari with three cars, or any of the other top teams with three cars, than having teams that are struggling."

Ecclestone suggests that the long-term prospects of some of the struggling teams will become clearer over the next few weeks – which will make it much more obvious whether third cars should happen.

"We'll know after the next two or three races," he said.

When asked if more should be done to help the smaller teams with their current plight, Ecclestone said: "I've been around – most people say too long – but long enough to know there are always people at the back of the grid. The trouble with teams – which is all normal – they think of themselves short term. You ask about next year, but they're worried about the next race, which is the problem."