[nithhysfusy]

... just a few months ago, in the midst of all the "split" rumors, some people felt very strongly that the manufacturers are the true future of F1, and the privateers are comparatively meaningless. Many thought that the supposed breakaway series with the manufacturers would be the REAL deal, with BMW, Renault, Toyota etc. battling it out.

Meanwhile... it looks like despite Ferrari and Mercedes (thankfully!) staying in F1, all the others have already or are about to depart, leaving behind the brave privateers who not only soldier on, but also come in as new entrants, or in the case of Sauber and probably Prodrive, even take over the ex-manufacturer efforts... as the TRUE bread and butter of the sport (with McLaren also returning to being independent)!

[Imagimifouxum]

Yes and that was because the cost of the sport was rising so fast that everyone felt that only the manufacturers had the cash to invest in a team.

BUT - Mercedes took over Brawn, Lotus is backed by the Malaysian Government, Manor will soon become VirginF1, and I believe Prodrive has some major backing behind it too. If so that leaves USF1, Sauber, and Campos as the new private teams.

Three private. Four, well, not manufacturers but big business backing them. I don't think much has changed but it is nice to see more of a balance.

[Siffidiolla]

The breakaway championship/series was laughable but you could understand why it had to happen - teams want more money from Bernie, Mosely to step down, make F1 'fan friendly'