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Ferrari to Quit F1 On Standard Engine Grounds

Ferrari have issued a warning on FIA concerning their future participation in Formula 1. The Scuderia issued a statement earlier today announcing that they consider leaving the sport if FIA implements the controversial standard engine rule starting 2010. The announcement comes only one day after FIA admitted they will move ahead with their plans to introduce a standard unit in F1 as soon as possible.

“Whilst reiterating its wholehearted commitment to a substantial and needed reduction in costs in Formula One, starting with propulsion, the Ferrari Board of Directors expressed strong concerns regarding plans to standardize engines as it felt that such a move would detract from the entire raison of a sport with which Ferrari has been involved continuously since 1950, a raison d'etre based principally on competition and technological development,” said the statement.

“The Board of Directors expressed the opinion that should these key elements be diminished, it would have to re-evaluate, with its partners the viability of continuing its presence in the sport,” concluded the Ferrari announcement.

Ferrari are not the only manufacturer inside the sport to issue these retirement warnings on FIA lately, as Toyota has officially done the same less than a week ago. Following the FIA – FOTA meeting last week in Geneva, Toyota's John Howett – who attended the meeting – insisted that his team will most likely quit the sport should such a rule be implemented.

“For Toyota it would be a reason to leave Formula One,” stated Howett when asked what is Toyota's stand on the standardized engine matter.

Ferrari's Luca di Montezemolo will be part of the FOTA delegation to meet with FIA president Max Mosley after the Brazilian Grand Prix to discuss other potential measures for cutting costs inside the sport. It is believed that all major manufacturer in Formula 1 – with Ferrari being an example, as they never threatened FIA with anything so far – will join forces to dismiss standard engines from the FIA agenda. McLaren, BMW and Honda have also declared themselves against this rule before the Geneva meeting last week.
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