MotorSport: An incredible weekend on track, exemplified by Michael Schumacher's outstanding drive to victory on Sunday and an incredible weekend off it, exemplified by the almost soap opera quality of the row that escalated between the team bosses over the four days of the Canadian Grand Prix, writes Justin Hynes.
The facts are by now well known. In the days leading up to the race, it was revealed that cash-strapped Eddie Jordan is to take Ferrari sponsor Vodafone to court seeking £150 million in damages over what he perceives as the telecoms company's defection to Ferrari in 2001, despite talking to the Irish team about a deal. Then on Friday morning, Minardi boss Paul Stoddart issues a statement withdrawing his support from the planned October ratification of technical regulations for 2004.
The background? The Formula One 'fighting fund', a $16 million tranche of cash to be paid to keep Jordan and Minardi on the grid this season to comply with the sport's Concorde Agreement, which calls for a minimum of 20 cars on the grid. If fewer than 20 turn up, some of the major teams are obliged, by ballot, to field a third car, an expensive irritant in financially difficult times.
That money was agreed in January by all the teams, with the exception of Toyota, who abstained, and Ferrari. In the meantime, McLaren and Williams lose their case against the FIA on rules they feel are unnecessary in 2003. Their support for the fighting fund is withdrawn and so, on Friday we arrived at impasse and a press conference of Shakespearean, well, at least 'Dallas'-style drama.
From the start, the psychological warfare was apparent. As the planned Friday afternoon press conference began - to be attended by Ron Dennis and Frank Williams along with Eddie Jordan and Stoddart - only Stoddart showed, cutting a lonely and isolated figure.
Midway through his almost teary list of problems, in walked the other protagonists, straight from a private meeting, to which Stoddart had not been invited. As an exercise in intimidation it was a master stroke. And the kicker was that Ron Dennis, Stoddart's biggest bugbear, was seated at his right hand.
As the Minardi boss rehashed his argument Dennis ignored him, gazing pointedly away from the stage, somewhere down in the region of his shoelaces. With his argument complete, the questioning switched to Stoddart's two main rivals - Dennis and Williams. Williams, the consummate politician, declined any comment. Dennis, though was not so circumspect and began a disdainful negation of all Stoddart's arguments.
Jordan, too, was reeled in. If Stoddart had expected the support of his fellow minnow he was sadly mistaken. Jordan reacted like a rabbit in the headlights, deeming the event the incorrect forum to discuss internal F1 business matters.
The final piece in the jigsaw was delivered overnight on Saturday. Ecclestone bought into Minardi to the tune of £4 million and Stoddart was temporarily saved.
It was a triumphalist Stoddart who, on Sunday afternoon, claimed righteousness had won the day. However, Friday's performance has done the Australian no favours. Judging by the flurry of rumour suggesting potential buyers of the team, it seems Stoddart's days are numbered. And Jordan - again the teflon boss has managed to almost keep everybody happy.