Letter: Driven off the track

Sir: The afternoon of 13 September saw a low point for a significant industry and its supporters. The news broadcasts included part of Nigel Mansell's press briefing advising his retirement at the end of this Formula One motor racing season, in his view following his agreement for 1993 with the Williams team being broken by a director of that organisation.

To fail in a race may be important, or to anger a backer daunting, but to lose a new world champion smacks of headless management. Any driver may have sponsors, but motor racing supporters must feel Williams's situation signifies a web of entanglement which can strangle the ability of all except kept men.

Yours faithfully,

PATRICK GUNDRY

London, SW15

13 September