Tension rises within the FOTA

The relations between the members of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) have apparently been pushed to their limit after a number of issues were raised, mainly concerning the diffuser affair. Before March, the organization representing ten teams had agreed on a number of short- and long-term rules to improve Formula 1. However, an initial controversy at the start of the 2009 season has disturbed the general order.

Last Wednesday, the verdict on the ‘double’ diffuser was delivered after a hearing the day before the FIA World Council, which saw Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull, and BMW on one side, and Brawn GP, Toyota, and Williams on the other. Although the elements have been officially legalized by the governing body, the fallout was immediate. For example, Renault’s team principal, Flavio Briatore, raised the question on Saturday of whether Brawn GP should receive its share of the television rights for the broadcast of the GP.

« I think that in the future, it will be a challenge, » commented Adam Parr, managing director of Williams. « When you have common interests, it is relatively easy to work together. There were differences, opinions, and different interests over the winter, but Luca di Montezemolo (Ferrari), as president of FOTA, with the help of Ron Dennis (McLaren) and John Howett (Toyota), in particular, had gotten everyone to agree. »

« I think it’s more difficult now, simply because we are on track and the preparation for the season has met reality. »

Parr, while admitting that times are tough for the FOTA, emphasized that the teams must do everything possible to maintain a good working relationship and ensure a future for the group.

« I think that this needs to be discussed within FOTA, » stated the Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner.

« It’s not good for the teams to be in this situation, but we need to discuss it. This will certainly be a test to see if FOTA can survive. »