FIA Delays 2010 Entry List, Takes Legal Action Against FOTA

Things heat up in Formula one, and we don't mean on the track... After yesterday it took note, with no surprise, of Formula One Teams Association's (FOTA) decision to create a breakaway series, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) now states it considers FOTA's decision in general and Ferrari's in particular a grave violation of competition law. As a result, FIA has decided to take legal action against the rebel teams.

Even if they will resort to this type of action, FIA says preparations for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship will continue. The ruling body will, however, not make public the final entry list for 2010 until it evaluates its position. Below is the official FIA press release.

"The FIA’s lawyers have now examined the FOTA threat to begin a breakaway series. The actions of FOTA as a whole, and Ferrari in particular, amount to serious violations of law including wilful interference with contractual relations, direct breaches of Ferrari's legal obligations and a grave violation of competition law. The FIA will be issuing legal proceedings without delay."

"Preparations for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship continue but publication of the final 2010 entry list will be put on hold while the FIA asserts its legal rights."

Yesterday, FOTA announced its decision to commence the preparation for a new championship. The association motivated their decision by saying "the FIA and the commercial rights holder have campaigned to divide FOTA."

FOTA's announcement is still considered a new attempt to place additional pressure on FIA, despite the fact the rebel teams even went as far as telling drivers, stars, brands, sponsors promoters they will still have a place in the new series.