Fota Readmits Rebel F1 Teams

Williams and Force India have been readmitted to the Formula One Teams’ Association (FOTA) after their suspension from the group was lifted.

Their ban was imposed at the height of the sport’s budget cap crisis when they broke ranks against FOTA’s stance against the proposed regulations put forward by the motorsport governing body the FIA and applied for unconditional entry into the 2010 F1 championship.

FOTA’s executive committee says all teams competing in next year’s championship are welcome to join the group meaning new teams Campos Grand Prix, Manor and US F1 are also eligible.

Earlier in the summer, F1 was faced with the possibility of many of the most high-profile teams withdrawing from the championship in protest at the prospect of budgetary restrictions being imposed on them by motorsport’s governing body, the International Motorsport Federation (FIA).

However FIA president Max Mosley’s original plan for a £40m budget cap was replaced with an agreement to reduce costs to ‘mid-1990s levels’, to be done according to FOTA’s chosen methods, and with Mosley agreeing not to stand in October’s elections.

‘The FOTA executive committee looks forward to working with the FIA and Commercial Rights Holder to promote a healthy, dynamic and sustainable sport,’ said an official statement.

‘To this end, FOTA intends to now enter into open discussion with the Commercial Rights Holder with the wish to confirm arrangements beyond 2012.’