Team bosses eye 'new Bernie'

Team bosses eye 'new Bernie'

Faure wants someone in place to take over from Ecclestone (above)

Formula One's leading car manufacturers are lining up a long-term replacement for Bernie Ecclestone.

Renault sporting director Patrick Faure said on Sunday the search had already begun for someone to take over from the septuagenarian.

Faure told Le Journal du dimanche: "We asked a head hunter to find a new Bernie.

"He would be international renowned, would know sport well, be skilful in terms of marketing and of TV rights, but above all he would be a real boss."

"To avoid any suspicion, this person will not be one of ours, even if Luca Di Montezemolo (the boss of Ferrari) has the ideal profile."

Despite being 72, Ecclestone still remains the leading influence in F1.

But with him having undergone major heart surgery back in 1999, the leading car makers are increasingly keen to put measures in place for F1 to run smoothly when he finally steps down.

They also want to guarantee greater financial benefits from F1's massive revenue.

As a result, Faure and his fellow manufacturers are in talks with the banks to take a stake in the sport as well as planning a breakaway series in time for 2008.