Ferrari Threatens F1 Pull-out

Ferrari, the longest-standing car brand in F1, has issued an ultimatum to world motorsport governing body the FIA that it will quit the sport at the end of the season if plans to introduce an optional £40m budget cap from 2010 are enforced.

A statement from the Italian car manufacturer read: ‘If the regulations for 2010 will not change, then Ferrari does not intend to enter cars in the next Formula 1 World Championship.

‘For the first time ever in F1, the 2010 season will see the introduction of two different sets of regulations based on arbitrary technical rules and economic parameters.

‘The board consider that if this is the regulatory framework for F1 in the future, then the reasons underlying Ferrari’s uninterrupted participation in the world championship over the last 60 years – the only constructor to have taken part ever since its inception in 1950 – would come to a close.’

Ferrari fear the evolution of a two-tier championship, between those teams who adopt the cap and those who do not.

While many believe that the firm’s stance is simply political posturing, Ferrari has been swift to insist that it will carry out its threat and walk away from F1.

The teams will discuss the plans with FIA chief Max Mosley in the next week with the governing body yet to issue a response to Ferrari’s statement.

Fellow F1 teams Toyota and Red Bull have also already threatened not to enter next year’s championship unless the new rules change.

The new plan would allow capped teams to operate with far greater technical freedom than those continuing with unlimited budgets.
 
The FIA has set a deadline of 29th May for teams wishing to compete in 2010 to enter and state whether they want a cap or not.