LONDON -- The threat of a Formula One rebellion faded Monday when the five teams planning their own series submitted entry forms for the 2008 season.
The Grand Prix Manufacturers Association -- made up of Renault, BMW Sauber, McLaren Mercedes, Honda and Toyota -- said it was signing up to meet a Friday deadline established by world governing body FIA.
The GPMA had threatened to break away after the 2007 season, after the expiration of an accord that determines how revenues are divided among the teams, commercial chief Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA.
The GPMA has been pushing for increased revenue for the teams and more financial transparency. It also wants the power of FIA limited, with appeals taken to the independent Court of Arbitration for Sport -- rather than FIA's own court.
"The five teams united through the Grand Prix Manufacturers Association ... have submitted their entry forms for the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship," GPMA said in a statement. "The GPMA members are united and remain committed to improve the sport for the benefit of all stakeholders."
GPMA spokesman Xander Heijnen said some issues still need to be resolved to avoid the breakaway.
"We have made significant progress with commercial negotiations over the last few months," Heijnen said. "We hope we can do the same on sporting and technical matters, so that we can achieve our objectives within the current structure. We're moving in the right direction. This is another sign of that. But it's too early -- there are some open issues left."
The group also asked that special veto rules -- granted only to Ferrari -- be rescinded.
Also yesterday, FIA said it was proposing a five-year engine freeze from 2008-12. This means teams would be prohibited from modifying basic engine design. Teams traditionally have changed engine specifications during the season to increase horsepower and performance.
The FIA, which said it met with Ferrari, Renault and engine-builder Cosworth over the changes, said the freeze would reduce costs and "encourage research into engine efficiency."
Major car manufacturers can oppose such a freeze because it would restrict innovations in technology, the reason many manufacturers invest millions in Formula One.
