Progress in the discussions between FOTA and FIA

The FIA claims that slight progress has been made in discussions with the FOTA (Formula One Teams Association) regarding the future of the sport. Initial feedback was formulated after receiving Mosley’s letter. As a reminder, he was asking the teams for an unconditional entry. Therefore, this initial feedback is not entirely negative.

The teams under the aegis of FOTA have responded in writing to the governing body.

No details of the content of this letter have been made public, and FOTA has declined to comment on the situation. However, the teams have indicated that they are not currently able to disclose their conditions attached to their entry.

The FIA therefore states that it has seen some encouraging signs regarding the recent position of the FOTA.

A spokesperson for the Board of Directors stated: « The FIA received a letter from the FOTA, the content of which is not entirely negative. We are currently reviewing the details. »

The FOTA would therefore adopt a non-aggressive strategy towards the governing body and its cost reduction proposals.

However, the biggest problem for the teams remains the governance of the sport. This is why the signing of a new Concorde Agreement, which would unify the teams, the FIA, and the commercial rights holder (Bernie Ecclestone), is very important.

The vice president of Toyota, John Howett, spoke in Turkey last weekend: « Governance remains the major question mark. There are also one or two management methodology issues, resource control, or reduction. I think FOTA’s demands are very reasonable, » he explained.