Bernie Ecclestone says Liberty Media - the group set to purchase F1 from CVC Capital Partners - wants him to stay "for three years".
Liberty Media has been in advanced talks with CVC for a number of weeks, with it becoming clear during the Italian Grand Prix weekend that a takeover of the sport is imminent in an estimated £6.5bn deal. Part of those talks involve Ecclestone's future, with sports marketer Zak Brown linked with a role as part of F1's management and various reports suggesting Ecclestone could leave as American businessman Chase Carey is expected to become chairman.
However, on Wednesday Ecclestone says Liberty Media have requested he remain involved.
"They want me to be here for three years," Ecclestone told Reuters.
While Ecclestone's comment suggests he is wanted by the new owners, the 85-year-old does not state what the role is which he would be working in or if he would even accept the request.
The next race on the F1 calendar is the Singapore Grand Prix, but Ecclestone says he will now no longer be present at the race on 18 September because CVC wants him to help with the takeover talks.
"Because all this is going through, they (CVC) want me to be there to help them with all sorts of things. I can't afford to be away for five to six days," Ecclestone said.
Scene at the Italian Grand Prix
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2016 Italian Grand Prix - Quotes of the week
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