Finbarr O'Connell races against time to save Caterham O'Connell gives the Leafield-based team a very good chance of finding a buyer. "With the noises people are making, I am 75 per cent confident we will get a solution," he said last night. How quickly, I am not sure. This team, if bought in the next few weeks, will race next year. "F1 is up there with gold mines and growing wheat in the Ukraine, but we get parachuted into a business and have to get to grips with it quickly," the 54-year-old said. Caterham's surprising return has not helped quash a general malaise in the sport over finances, with the big and small teams at each other's throats. Bernie Ecclestone, the sport's supremo, has remained steadfast in his refusal to hand out any more prize money. A suggestion by Mercedes that Marussia's £27 million reward due this year could be redistributed to Force India, Lotus and Sauber was rejected by Red Bull and Ferrari. They will all meet on Saturday for what is likely to be another tense summit. Jean Todt, the FIA president, who has been largely silent on the issue, arrived last night and will also attend. The precursor was supposed to be a feisty press conference of the team principals last night. However, the three from the rebellious squads declined to attend, and were replaced by less outspoken figures from within the team, making for a damp squib. Maybe they are saving their fury for Saturday's meeting.