Howett Confirms FOTA Plans for Breakaway Series

Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) Vice-Chairman and Toyota boss John Howett admitted, for the first time since the start of the budget cap saga, that the Formula One teams have considered an alternative series in the wake of their ongoing dispute with the ruling body. Although surfaced in the media as a simple rumor, the idea of forming a breakaway series has been part of the FOTA plans for quite some time, confirmed Howett.

Asked if the FOTA will go ahead and plan such a series if the teams' organization will not reach an agreement with the FIA this Friday – when the 2010 entry list will be announced – Howett revealed that, while this is not the unique plan of the FOTA, it might be taken into account depending on how things will go on.

“It's partly a hypothetical question, but I don't think it's an insurmountable problem. I want to emphasize again that it is not the sole, unique target of FOTA. If we're forced into that position, I think as a defensive strategy, it's something that has to be part of our scenario planning. And it has been for some time,” said Howett during a media briefing after the Turkish Grand Prix.

In addition, he ensured all motor racing fans out there that, regardless of the decision made by the FIA on June 12th, the world of motorsport will only smile in the end. Again, the world “alternative” popped into the equation.

“We need to stabilize governance - that is a precondition of almost all the FOTA members, which seems more solid this weekend than ever before. If that happens then I think we feel comfortable. If not then we're forced into alternative scenarios, and in the end I believe that also holds a very bright future for the world of motorsport,” added the Toyota boss.

Asked to give further details on the potential breakaway series, Howett neither denied nor confirmed it – which is usually a sign of agreement with the statement – limiting himself at saying “that's a confidential internal matter within FOTA.”