Nico Rosberg revelled in recording the fastest practice lap of the day in Monte Carlo on Thursday as Formula One's cars finally took to the famous streets around the harbour here ahead of Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.

Beaming with pleasure, talking with excited anticipation of his hopes for the race and exuding all the determination of a top-level professional sportsman focussed on his job, Rosberg deserved his now almost customary glow of glory.

But however fast he drove, and however noisy were the cars, nothing he did could erase the prospect of an expensive 'civil war' as the teams prepared not only their machines, but also their arguments, ahead of another planned confrontation with their fractured sport's governing body on Friday.

Quick solution needed

Typically for this wealthy sport enjoying its glamorous showpiece weekend, Friday's crisis talks are expected to take place not in an office or a conference room, but aboard a luxury super-yacht moored in the harbour.

Renault boss Flavio Briatore's 'Force Blue', a towering vessel with three floors and enough space for the event, will host the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) crisis talks ahead of a probable meeting with FIA president Max Mosley.

In the wake of Ferrari's failed attempt to block the International Motoring Federation (FIA) from going ahead with its plans for a £40-million budget cap next year, the teams know they need to find a solution to their current crisis as quickly as possible.

If not, the sport faces the spectre of losing at least six manufacturer-backed outfits including Ferrari in 2010.

Ecclestone not happy

Rosberg's Williams team, however, remain one of those likely to stay and they, along with Brawn GP and Force India are expected to sign for next season ahead of the looming deadline on 29 May.

After that the FIA may accept other teams as replacements for those who are late making their intentions clear, a situation that has left the sport's veteran commercial ring-master Bernie Ecclestone worried.

"I am not happy, I don't like it," he said. "We don't want to lose Ferrari. Nobody wants to see that happen. But we will have to see what happens." Ecclestone, a close friend of Briatore's, is expected to attend the FOTA meeting and try to mediate between the teams in order to find a solution.

They all agree that cost-cutting is necessary, but not yet on how to achieve it or by how much.

Low-budget success

And few observers will have failed to notice that the success of the low-budget independent Williams team on Thursday, following four victories in five races by the new independent Brawn GP team, is an endorsement of the argument for budget caps.

Rosberg, running light on fuel, said: "That was great! I had a few moments when I felt near the edge — like everyone today I guess — but it was so enjoyable.

AFP

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