According to media reports and industry gossip, the organisation of a breakaway Formula One series could be placed in the hands of IMG.

IMG, the most famous sports agency in the world, organises and represents events and individuals worldwide, but currently has no presence in Formula One. Its motorsport pedigree is, however, undoubted; IMG Sports and Entertaiment president George Pyne was chief operating officer of Nascar, and Andrew Hampel, now managing director of IMG Europe, Africa and Middle East, was formerly head of the IMG motorsport division representing Ayrton Senna, Jackie Stewart and Alain Prost.

The agency also represents Danica Patrick, the female IndyCar Series driver, who has long been linked with a move to Formula One.

The source of the IMG rumour is unclear - it appears to have developed from gossip at last weekend's British Grand Prix - but it adds another twist to the ongoing story.