F1 chiefs poised for QPR takeover

LONDON, England -- Formula One bosses Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone are poised to take over English Championship club QPR.

Briatore, head of the Renault team, and Ecclestone, Formula One's president, have made a recommended offer that has been accepted by the London club's directors on Saturday.

Current QPR chairman Gianni Paladini will remain in position, with Briatore joining the board, but Antonio Caliendo and Franco Zanotti have agreed to step down.

Briatore said: "Bernie and I were delighted to receive a recommendation from the board of QPR for our bid for the club and we look forward to working alongside Gianni Paladini and his team.

"We are fully aware of the history of QPR and the loyal fan base that it has and are totally committed to bringing future success back to the club."

Paladini believes the investment is vital if QPR are to have a solid financial base to build on.

"This offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the club forward which will be translated into positive results on the pitch," he said.

"I am delighted that Flavio and Bernie have asked me to remain on the board and I hope to play a large part in the future of QPR."

Briatore was in the stands at Loftus Road on Saturday and watched Rangers crash to a 3-0 home defeat by Southampton.

It was QPR's first match since the death in a car crash of England youth international striker Ray Jones, who would have celebrated his 19th birthday last Tuesday. E-mail to a friend