From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two of Formula 1's most senior figures, have issued critical appraisals of Honda's recent approach to the sport.

To the Financial Times, F1 chief executive Ecclestone said the Japanese carmaker swung from one extreme to the other in spending exorbitantly and then suddenly withdrawing.

"They didn't even look for sponsors," Ecclestone said. "They stopped because they were ninth.

"(They were) pouring money in like there was no tomorrow."

The 78-year-old said Honda will not be missed.

"It's bad for me to say this, but the only team we would really say we would miss is Ferrari. I wouldn't want to lose McLaren for sure. I wouldn't want to lose Williams," he added.

Renault boss Briatore, meanwhile, revealed at the launch of his team's 2009 contender on Monday that he warned Honda about their spending habits.

"If Honda had listened to me five years ago, maybe they'd still be in business," said the Italian.


Photo Credit : Honda