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http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?id=46159
The gauntlet has been thrown and we're looking at some exciting prospects!
The Formula One Teams’ Association has thrown the sport into total chaos by announcing its eight members will set up their own breakaway series at the end of the season.
Following weeks of talks with the FIA aimed at breaking the deadlock over the bitter row over the 2010 budget cap and governance of the sport, FOTA issued a statement on Thursday night – on behalf of Ferrari, McLaren, BMW, Renault, Brawn, Toyota and both Red Bull teams – saying they had grown tired of the governing body’s demands and had been left with “no alternative” than to start preparing for a new championship.
The cataclysmic announcement comes after all eight of its members met for 11th hour talks at Renault's Enstone factory on Thursday evening to decide whether or not they would enter unconditional entries for the 2010 grid ahead of Friday's deadline imposed by FIA president Max Mosley.
In its bombshell statement FOTA accused both the governing body and F1's commerical supremo Bernie Ecclestone for trying to divide the group, adding that while it has strived to strike a peace it was no longer willing to "compromise on the fundamental values of the sport".
The FOTA statement said: "The FIA and the commercial rights holder have campaigned to divide FOTA.
"The wishes of the majority of the teams are ignored. Furthermore, tens of millions of dollars have been withheld from many teams by the commercial rights holder, going back as far as 2006. Despite this and the uncompromising environment, FOTA has genuinely sought compromise.
“It has become clear however, that the teams cannot continue to compromise on the fundamental values of the sport and have declined to alter their original conditional entries to the 2010 World Championship.
“These teams therefore have no alternative other than to commence the preparation for a new Championship which reflects the values of its participants and partners."
FOTA says its new championship will include all of Formula 1's existing household stars and major figures, adding that "transparent governance" would be a key feature.
“This series will have transparent governance, one set of regulations, encourage more entrants and listen to the wishes of the fans, including offering lower prices for spectators worldwide, partners and other important stakeholders," the statement added.
“The major drivers, stars, brands, sponsors, promoters and companies historically associated with the highest level of motorsport will all feature in this new series.”
More follows...
The gauntlet has been thrown and we're looking at some exciting prospects!