The new FOTA championship will welcome other teams

The new series set up by the FOTA (Formula One Teams Association) could attract new teams, such as Prodrive which is strongly linked to this new championship.

While discussions about this new series, led by eight current teams, are shaking things up in Formula 1, sources indicate that a number of teams have opened a dialogue to learn more about this new championship.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has confirmed that the FOTA is ready to accept more participants to strengthen its grid next year. For his part, he would like to see Lola and Prodrive join the major constructors.

« I believe that eight teams would be sufficient, but we would be happy to see new teams. There is a particular interest from certain teams, » explains Whitmarsh.

« I think a lot of teams want to race against Ferrari, against Red Bull, or against Brawn. »

« In my opinion, Formula 1 hasn’t done a good job. It has put a number of teams in competition but that’s all. For our part, we are creating a series that fans want and expect. We can do better in a cost-saving system. »

« If there is indeed a certain sadness these days, I think we must be optimistic about the future that awaits us. This new championship opens a new era and new possibilities, we must be positive, » continued the Briton.

« In the last few hours, we have had a special interest from other teams wanting to be part of our new series, and we will do everything possible to include them. The FOTA wishes to help new independent teams as it is already doing currently. This idea must be part of an organization’s ethics. »

Finally, the boss of Red Bull Racing, Christian Horner, apologized on behalf of the teams for the message the sport was sending to the fans.

« I would like to extend my apologies to the public, who are F1 fans and must be dismayed by what is currently happening. We have a magnificent championship this year, but it cannot continue like this. I know it’s difficult for the general public to understand. »