By Ian Parkes
PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer
MARANELLO, Italy (Ticker) -- Ferrari will consider withdrawing
from Formula One if the FIA pursue their aim of a standardized
engine.
Motorsport's world governing body dropped a bombshell 10 days
ago when they opened a tender process to standardize both
engines and transmissions from 2010 through 2013.
It is part of FIA president Max Mosley's cost-cutting drive in
F1, however, the ramifications of such a decision were always
going to be far reaching.
Following a meeting of Ferrari's board of directors in Maranello
on Monday, the sport's most famous brand could walk away if
Mosley and the FIA do not alter their plans.
A Ferrari statement read: "The board of directors examined the
proposed changes to the Formula One regulations in light of the
current global economic crisis. Whilst reiterating its
wholehearted commitment to a substantial and needed reduction in
costs in Formula One, starting with propulsion, the board
expressed strong concerns regarding plans to standardize
engines.
"It felt such a move would detract from the entire raison d'etre
of a sport with which Ferrari has been involved continuously
since 1950, a raison d'etre based principally on competition and
technological development. The board expressed the opinion that
should these key elements be diminished, it would have to
re-evaluate, with its partners, the viability of continuing its
presence in the sport."
Toyota Motorsport president John Howett echoed Ferrari's
sentiments.
"I don't think any of the manufacturers want a homogenized
engine," said Howett. "The outcome depends partially on the FIA
and the World Motor Sport Council, and whether they have a mind
to press through with the idea.
"If it is forced through, then it (quitting) is not a decision
we will take here (Toyota F1's base in Cologne). It will be
taken by the board in Japan, but they want a degree of
differentiation between teams."
Mercedes, Honda, Renault and BMW are the other four
manufacturers currently involved in F1, and it is understood
they are of the same mind.
The FIA appear intent on pushing through with their plans as
they confirmed Monday the tender process ends on November 7 with
regard to bids for engines and transmissions in combination, and
bids for the supply of engines alone.
A minimum of three further weeks is to be given to those
companies considering transmission-only bids.
It is understood none of the 10 teams involved in the Formula
One Teams' Association (FOTA) have made a bid, or are likely to
bid.
FOTA are to hold a further meeting in relation to implementing
cost-cutting measures during the course of this weekend's
season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo.