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FOTA Push for FIA Consultations

The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) met yesterday to discuss the newly-confirmed 40M (pounds sterling) optional budget cap imposed by the FIA mid-way through last week. At the end of the London meeting, the teams' representatives have issued a statement urging the international body to further evaluate their budget cap solution after a series of consultations between the two bodies.

FOTA held a positive and constructive meeting and agreed to continue working together in a methodical manner for the definition of further cost-reduction in 2010 and 2011, progressing along the path begun in 2008. FOTA has concerns with the decisions taken at the last WMSC meeting regarding the 2010 regulations and therefore asks to begin urgent consultations with the FIA,” said the statement.

At least two teams have so far expressed their concern over the soon-to-be-implemented voluntary budget cap, which may likely lead to a two formula series in the near future. And that's because the teams adhering to the aforementioned financial restrictions will in turn be provided with technological freedom. The others, of course, will be allowed to spend all the money they want but will face restrictions in terms of car development.

Ferrari's Luca di Montezemolo was the first to publicly slam the new cost-cutting rules, while later joined by BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen. Both have argued that a cost-controlled competition is no longer attractive for the aforementioned companies and announced they'll revise their F1 programmes if the FIA does not manage to reach a compromise.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, however, insisted the teams should change the way they perceive F1 racing, meaning they should think more about how to make it a business rather than a money-sucking machinery.

The big teams don't get it because it's not in their DNA to make money in formula one. All they want to do is spend, spend, spend. Odd isn't it that at a time when everyone else in the commercial world is trying to cut costs and save money, we offer them a plan and some are not happy? How will it look if a board of one of the manufacturers which is losing money turns down the chance to cut costs hugely?” rhetorically asked himself the 78-year old F1 ruler.
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