Toyota withdrawal under scrutiny by FIA

Thursday 5th November 2009

The FIA are to revisit the recently imposed cost-cutting measures in the wake of Toyota's departure from Formula One.

Motor sport's world governing body has, via a statement, expressed "concern" at the withdrawal announcements made this week by both Toyota and Bridgestone.

Yet while the FIA are satisfied tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has at least served notice of its intention to leave, as they will not be withdrawing from F1 until after next season, they have made it clear they are far from happy with Toyota.

Citing financial pressures, the world's largest car manufacturer confirmed on Wednesday they are pulling out of the sport with immediate effect.

That is despite signing up to the new Concorde Agreement over the summer, so binding themselves to F1 through to 2012, based on a package of cost cuts designed to explicitly avoid decisions such as those made by Toyota Motor Corp.

Former FIA President Max Mosley initially called for the teams to work under a voluntary £40million cost cap, yet that was vehemently imposed and almost led to a breakaway series.

Instead, the teams agreed to reduce spending "back to early 1990s levels within two years" were Mosley's words after a breakthrough meeting at the end of June.

Yet in an almost 'we told you so' manner, the FIA have expressed a desire to ensure the cost-cut plans that are in place are working and F1 will be safeguarded for the future.

The statement read: "Toyota's decision...comes just weeks after its F1 team signed the new Concorde Agreement until 2012.

"Urgent clarification is now being sought from the Toyota F1 team as to its legal position in relation to the Championship. This will have a direct bearing on the admission of any future 13th entry.

"The FIA has repeatedly warned that motor sport cannot outpace the world economic crisis.

"That is why the competing teams have been asked to cut costs and the entry of independent teams has been encouraged.

"The FIA accepted the cost-reduction measures put forward by the teams on the basis they would ensure a long-term commitment to the Championship.

"Toyota's announcement demonstrates the importance of the original cost-reduction measures set out by the FIA.

"The FIA will now work to ensure Toyota's departure is managed in the best interests of the championship and will continue to encourage the F1 teams to undertake the necessary cost-cutting measures for the good of the sport."

The Formula One Teams' Association has also expressed their desire for clarity on Toyota's decision, confirmed in Tokyo by president Akio Toyoda following a board meeting earlier this week.

Toyota Motorsport boss John Howett was vice-chairman of FOTA and a leading campaigner against the cost cap, adding to the lack of understanding behind Toyota's announcement.

There is now great desire within FOTA to see to it that next season is not further affected, and the new teams scheduled to compete - US F1, Campos, Manor and Lotus - make it on to what will hopefully be a 13-team grid for the season opener in Bahrain in mid-March.

"Every effort must be made by the sport's management to ensure the 2010 season is as successful as we all hope," said FOTA in their own statement.

"These efforts should include ensuring the 2010 grid remains fully subscribed - we should remember there are still more teams entered than in any year since 1995 - and that our sport remains a focus for technological innovation and competitive racing.

"The departure of an important car manufacturer cannot be underestimated, and its reasons need to be addressed."

Meanwhile, Renault are understood to have held a board meeting in Paris on Wednesday relating to their own involvement in F1.

The manufacturer has endured its worst season for many years, both on and off the track.

Renault finished a lowly eighth in the constructors' championship, but it was the 'crashgate' scandal that severely damaged the team.

It emerged Nelson Piquet Jnr was deliberately ordered to crash his car in last year's Singapore Grand Prix.

While Flavio Briatore lost his job as team principal, Renault escaped severe sanctions from the FIA as they were handed a ban, suspended for two years.

Due to the effects of the global economic crisis, the team also lost primary sponsor ING.

Star driver Fernando Alonso, who has spent four of the last five years with the team, is also on his way as has signed for Ferrari for next year.

However, Renault did recently recruit Robert Kubica, far from suggesting they will follow the lead of Honda, BMW and Toyota, and withdraw.

Any announcement is on hold, though, as it is believed Renault do not want to detract from a high-profile event on Thursday at which president Carlos Ghosn is present.

Related Links
Toyota the latest to join Formula One exodus

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