West Ham, Tottenham, Man City and Liverpool To Enter New F1 Competition.

Following the decision of the leading teams to pull out of F1, Tottenham, Liverpool, Man City and West Ham have announced plans to enter cars in their club liveries in next season's competition. Bernie Ecclestone said in a statement: "This is an exciting development, a genuine fusion of two sports and we are hopeful that other teams will follow the lead. Season ticket holders at the four clubs will qualify for 50% reductions on entry prices for the British Grand Prix and the clubs anticipate benefiting from various opportunities from cross over marketing and advertising."

There are genuine concerns, however, about the possibility of redirection of transfer funds into the development of the cars. "Formula 1 is an expensive business," explained Nigel Mansell, "and I'm not sure that the clubs fully appreciate what they are getting into. You don't just buy a car and spray it in the team colours."

Speculation is now rife as to what model of cars will represent the football clubs. Car and football expert Lee Vitout outlined his ideas. "Liverpool's car is likely to be modelled on the Ferrari obviously - bright red naturally and very exciting looking. Unfortunately it is unlikely to make much progress with piles of bricks under each wheel arch."

"The Unreal City car will probably be a second hand Astra picked up for a bargain basement £36m from a car lot in Brazil."

"West Ham would have had little hope if entering the caravan towing brown Volvo of Alan Curbishley but Zola's Mazda may be a genuine contender if it doesn't keep breaking down in mid race. It may be that certain key components need to be replaced."

"The Tottenham car is something of a mystery. Despite looking good in last year's trials, it seems a complete overhaul is being planned this summer. Hopes of finishing on the podium are likely to be frustrated when the car stalls yet again on the starting grid! A change of driver six or so races into the season is unlikely to help, unless success is measured by finishing half way down the field yet again!"