Threats over F1

No Bernie Ecclestone in Istanbul, his “classy” motorhome made the trip for nothing. No more Max Mosley. The president of the FIA ​​remained on his island or in the shadow of his Monegasque residence.

Published on 09/06/2009 à 18:44

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Threats over F1

Trying to come up with new strategies, to save what can still be saved? To find a solution without losing face in front of its World Council or giving the impression of giving in to the manufacturers? Not sure as his words, a few days earlier, illustrated a declaration of war more than an invitation to dialogue: “ Sign the Concorde Agreements by June 12? Impossible, unrealistic, they were closed too late... Yes, there is conflict, and we will see who has the last word. If they want to make their own rules, they should also organize their own championship. We already have one, for which we make the rules. It started 60 years ago and will continue like this… ».

No Mosley, then, but Alan Donnelly, his special correspondent, his advisor who, for three days, never stopped walking around the paddock and meeting the team bosses to try to bring them to their senses. Even returning to London with a few non-Fota registration forms for the 2010 FIA championship. Apparently without success.
Faced with Mosley's position and the profound silence of a federal government visibly not concerned by this situation and in any case inactive, the bosses have advanced their pawns. Whether they are those from the Fota stables – now eight – or those from the manufacturers – there are five – they all spoke with one voice. Firm and definitive although courteous. “ Why these words?, asks Mario Theissen, the boss of BMW. We do not want any war but on the contrary to sit down and discuss. »

« You have to be constructive, continues John Howett, boss of Toyota F1 and vice-president of Fota. The time has come to find a solution that works for everyone. Stability, governance, rules and how to change them are crucial points for the future of F1. Mosley says today that our global and conditional registration made by Fota for its eight teams would not be valid? However, it was him, in Monaco, who advised us to do this! The International Sporting Code allows this. »

Find this entire article in your AUTOhebdo magazine N°1704

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