Catch-up Session – Week No. 26
For over five months now, Motors Inside has been offering you a complete tour of the past week’s news every Monday. This Monday is no exception, and on the agenda this week: The much-anticipated agreement was finally signed on Wednesday between the FOTA and the FIA. As a result, there will be 13 teams in […]
For over five months now, Motors Inside has been offering you a complete tour of the past week’s news every Monday. This Monday is no exception, and on the agenda this week: The much-anticipated agreement was finally signed on Wednesday between the FOTA and the FIA. As a result, there will be 13 teams in Formula 1 in 2010 and no parallel championship. Motors Inside offers a detailed review of this outcome along with the main reactions from the protagonists. Alongside this resolution of the crisis (or almost!), things are moving towards Donington Park, which will soon host the British Grand Prix. From an administrative point of view, everything seems finalized, and bulldozers will soon arrive on site… Finally, while the title battle rages on between Brawn GP and Red Bull Racing, Scuderia Ferrari seems determined to focus its attention on 2010.
An agreement of peace between FIA and FOTA that does not achieve unanimity!
It was last Wednesday during the World Motor Sport Council that the news came somewhat to everyone’s surprise. The Formula One Team Association and the International Automobile Federation have reached an understanding to resolve the crisis. It was following a final meeting between the presidents of the two organizations (Luca di Montezemolo for FOTA and Max Mosley for FIA) that a happy resolution was possible. It seems, according to initial observations, that FOTA emerges as the winner of this battle. The budget cap would therefore no longer be 40 million pounds as desired by Mosley, and refueling might be ultimately allowed. In short, FOTA is working on these new rules which will be revealed little by little in the coming weeks. There will indeed be 13 teams in 2010 since major manufacturers have confirmed their presence. Thus, the current 10 teams plus Campos, USF1, and Manor GP. FOTA finally withdraws its idea of a parallel championship.
Read the announcement of an agreement between FOTA and FIA
Read the confirmation of the presence of 13 teams in 2010
Since last Wednesday, there have been numerous reactions; here are those from the president and vice-president of FOTA, Di Montezemolo and Howett.
Read Luca di Montezemolo’s reaction
On the other hand, from the FIA’s side, the statements do not have the same tone. Two days after the announcement of a compromise, Max Mosley expressed himself, and with anger, he accused FOTA of disclosing false information to the media. Apparently, one of the conditions of this agreement is the resignation of the current FIA president at the end of his term next October. Friday, the situation became tense again as he threatened to run for re-election if he did not receive an apology from FOTA. Apologies that have not been made for the British. In short, the situation is far from perfectly clear and will require particular attention in the coming days. Motors Inside will, of course, keep you informed of upcoming events.
The British GP at Donington Park is underway!
It was a long process, but in the end, the satisfaction is immense for Simon Gillett, the director of the British circuit. The final documents have been signed by all parties. From a legal standpoint, everything is in order, which gives hope for a bright future for the circuit…
Read the announcement of the signing of the final documents for Donington Park
However, before this last piece of information was revealed, that is eight days ago, Silverstone announced that Formula 1 would return next year. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone took place on June 21st, but the circuit and Ecclestone claim they want to return in 2010 even though Donington Park has a contract for the next 17 years. It is true that there remains an uncertainty, which is that Donington Park may not be ready in time for June 2010. Gillett is optimistic and states that the work will begin on August 1st.
Read Silverstone’s hopes for the 2010 race
Read the announcement of the start of work at Donington Park
Ferrari Abandons 2009 and Turns to 2010
It is the president of the Scuderia himself, Luca di Montezemolo, who announced it; the chances for his team to win the title or titles are very slim after a disastrous start to the season. It is therefore time to focus on the 2010 car, which may not have the KERS. Ferrari is waiting for clear rules to fully begin work.
