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Jean Todt Doesn't Agree with Budget Caps in F1

Although he was backed by Max Mosley for the presidential seat of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Jean Todt doesn't seem to have the same visions about the future of the sport as his predecessor. And one of the things the two don't agree on is the budget cap rule.

According to the 63-year old Frenchman, budget caps are not the way to go in the future, as cost reduction can easily be achieved through other measures. Changing the technical rulebook of the Formula One series would be one solution, as an aerodynamic freeze similar to the one imposed to engines a few years ago would solve the constant developing of the F1 single-seaters throughout the season (and therefore reduce the costs that go with it).

For example, there should be an unique aerodynamic package for the entire year. It will cause grip problems in Monaco? Even better, we will see the skills of the drivers!” argued Todt, in an interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

Last year, during the famous political turmoil involving the FIA on the one hand, and the Formula One teams on the other hand, one thing that Max Mosley had to give up in order for things to return to normal (besides his position within the ruling body) was the budget cap. Instead, the teams agreed to cut expenditures progressively through the upcoming seasons, reaching the level of the early '90s by 2012.

Refueling ban, in-season testing ban and the signing of a sole engine supplier for several F1 teams are only a few rules the FIA and F1 teams have come up with in recent years, in order to cut down costs in the sport. Also, the Kinetic Energy Recovery System has been dropped through a “gentleman's agreement” within the FOTA, as it will be reintroduced in the series in 2011 (therefore giving the teams plenty of time to develop it).
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