FIA relying on private teams

In a letter from FIA president Max Mosley to Formula One team principals recently, the sport's governing body underlined the importance of looking after private teams. Discussing the recent cost cutting regulations, Mosley sought to explain the reasons behind the decisions and invited opinion from the teams.

"Currently, seven major car manufacturers are involved in Formula One," Mosley said. "They all deploy vast technical and financial resources. This brings benefits, but presents two significant difficulties: first, any team not backed by a major manufacturer is likely to find itself short of money and technology, particularly in an economic recession; secondly, there is no guarantee that one or several of these manufacturers will not stop racing."

Mosley went on to say that plans for the future should take into consideration that one or more manufacturers could leave the sport, which is why it is so important for private teams to be able to continue.

"If we are to achieve a stable Championship, we must ensure that the independent teams can survive as manufacturers come and go," Mosley explained. "The FIA Formula One World Championship is the core business of an independent team. Unlike a manufacturer, an independent team cannot just stop racing, because to do so would be to close its business. Thus the way to guarantee the long-term health and stability of the Championship is to make sure there is a solid group of independent teams which do not depend on the presence of the manufacturers for their survival."

"We can rely on the independent teams. We cannot rely on the manufacturers. Although their presence is very welcome, the car manufacturers will come and go as it suits them - they have always done this and they always will. After all, they are responsible to their shareholders, not to motor sport."

The letter highlighted how the cost cutting measures, such as standardized parts, affordable engines, long-life components etc, would ensure the long term future of F1 and give smaller teams the chance to be more competitive.

"Thus independent teams would have chassis and engines very similar to those of the major teams. This would enable a well run independent team with an outstanding driver to be competitive and even win races from time to time. Combined with low costs, this will enable such teams to operate in a stable and financially successful business environment."

Another meeting between the FIA and team principals is due to be arranged to discuss these and other ideas in more detail.