FIA and FOTA still seem to be at odds

The FIA criticizes the members of the FOTA (Formula One Teams Association) for not finding common ground on the regulations for the future of the sport. The governing body had revealed a few days ago that an agreement was in sight.

In a statement released this Monday morning, the FIA announced that an agreement was reached during a meeting with four members of the FOTA last week. However, it is not bearing fruit as it should be.

« The FOTA acknowledged during its meetings that the FIA wanted to encourage the entry of new teams into the championship to maintain its vitality and long-term economic viability, » said the FIA.

An agreement was reached on the technical regulations for 2010, which offered assistance in several key areas for new teams to enter the competition. »

« It was also agreed that the objectives of the FIA and those of the FOTA on cost reduction were now very close and that experts from both parties should meet as soon as possible to finalize the details. »

« The FIA has also proposed that governance and stability issues in the sport be removed from the extension of the 1998 Concorde Agreement in order to avoid lengthy negotiations with the aim of reaching a new agreement. This was well received by those present, who committed to reporting back to the other FOTA members. »

The FIA therefore accuses the members of the FOTA of not acting in accordance with this agreement and claims that some members are determined to ensure that these talks end in failure, even if it will harm F1.

« The FIA felt that it had participated in a very constructive meeting. It was therefore surprised to learn that some FOTA members who were not present at the meeting claimed that nothing had been decided and that the meeting had been a waste of time. »

« There is clearly a member of FOTA determined to prevent any agreement, regardless of the damage this would cause to the sport. »