FIA 'disappointed' as breakaway teams threaten Formula One's future

Published on Friday 19 June 2009 10:07

THE FIA have reacted with "disappointment" to the news that the F1 Teams Association (FOTA) have confirmed they are to form a breakaway series – but admit it is not a surprise.

The shock announcement was delivered shortly last night following a meeting of the eight rebel teams – Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, BMW Sauber, Toyota, Brawn GP, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso.

In a strongly-worded statement which pointed accusing fingers at the FIA and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, the FOTA eight made it clear they will not sign up unconditionally for next season.

The sport's governing body today responded with a statement which read: "We are disappointed but not surprised by FOTA's inability to reach a compromise in the best interests of the sport.

"It is clear that elements within FOTA have sought this outcome throughout the prolonged period of negotiation and have not engaged in the discussions in good faith.

"The FIA cannot permit a financial arms race in the championship nor can the FIA allow FOTA to dictate the rules of Formula One.

"The deadline for unconditional entries to the 2010 FIA Formula World Championship will expire this evening.

"The 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship entry list will be announced tomorrow."

The future of Formula One today lies in ruins after the FOTA announcement.

The statement read: "Since the formation of FOTA last September the teams have worked together and

sought to engage the FIA and commercial rights holder

Ecclestone], to develop and improve the sport.

"Unprecedented worldwide financial turmoil has inevitably placed great challenges before the F1 community.

"FOTA are proud they have achieved the most substantial measures to reduce costs in the history of our sport.

"In particular, the manufacturer teams have provided assistance to the independent teams, a number of which would probably not be in the sport today without the FOTA initiatives.

"The FOTA teams have further agreed upon a substantial voluntary cost reduction that provides a sustainable model for the future.

"Following these efforts, all the teams have confirmed to the FIA and the commercial rights holder that they are willing to commit until the end of 2012.

"The FIA and the commercial rights holder have campaigned to divide FOTA.

"The wishes of the majority of the teams are ignored. Furthermore, tens of millions of dollars have been withheld from many teams by the commercial rights holder, going back as far as 2006.

"Despite this, and the uncompromising environment, FOTA has genuinely sought compromise.

"It has become clear, however, the teams cannot continue to compromise on the fundamental values of the sport and have declined to alter their original conditional entries to the 2010 world championship.

"These teams, therefore, have no alternative other than to commence the preparation for a new championship which reflects the values of its participants and partners.

"This series will have transparent governance, one set of regulations, encourage more entrants and listen to the wishes of the fans, including offering lower prices for spectators worldwide, partners and other important stakeholders.

"The major drivers, stars, brands, sponsors, promoters and companies historically associated with the highest level of motorsport will all feature in this new series."

The FIA had issued a deadline of close of business today for five of the teams in particular – McLaren, Toyota, Renault, BMW Sauber and Brawn GP – to enter unconditionally.

As far as the FIA are concerned, Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso are contracted to enter, hence the reason they were given an automatic entry by motor sport's world governing body last Friday.

Ferrari have long maintained, however, that contract, signed in 2005, was invalidated by the FIA when they failed to recognise the Scuderia's right of veto over the new regulations.

Mosley unilaterally announced the introduction of a voluntary 40million budget cap at the end of April without consulting the teams, most notably Ferrari.

The FIA will point to the fact discussions over cost control were first airedwith the teams as far back as January 2008.

At that stage the likes of Brawn GP team principal Ross Brawn and Toyota Motorsport president John Howett were in favour, although not Ferrari.

But it was Mosley's publish-and-be-damned attitude that angered the teams, and despite hours of negotiations to resolve the furore, it culminated in the greatest rift to strike F1 since the championship began in 1950.

However, whilst FOTA have now confirmed their intention to stage a breakaway series, actual implementation is another matter.

Significantly, Ferrari face being embroiled in a legal wrangle that could last months, especially as Ecclestone has already stated his intent to sue for millions of pounds should they quit F1.

For FOTA, any series without Ferrari will be hard to sell to television companies and race tracks around the world, the most renowned of which are signed up with Ecclestone.

Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso, both owned by energy drinks magnate Dietrich Mateschitz, also face being embroiled in lengthy litigation along with Ferrari.

As it stands for next year, F1's line-up comprises Williams and Force India, who were forced to break with FOTA due to their own contractual obligations, and three new entrants in Campos Racing, Team US F1 and Manor F1 Team.

The FIA will steadfastly refuse to accept the stance from Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso.

But in the absence of the other big five the FIA will today likely name a quintet of new entrants as replacements as other teams are waiting in the wings, ready and willing to race under a cap.