Formula One faces split as eight teams break away
Spectators promised lower prices
Formula One plunged into its biggest crisis in 60 years yesterday with eight of the 10 teams announcing plans to set up their own championship.
The teams association FOTA said BMW-Sauber, Brawn, Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Renault, Toro Rosso and Toyota were united in a decision that would split the sport in two if carried through.
"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 championship," said a statement.
"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."
The FIA had set a deadline for teams to make their entries unconditional by yesterday or risk exclusion in favour of would-be new competitors.
The eight FOTA teams had submitted entries conditional on the 2010 rules, which include a controversial budget cap, being re-written and the signing of a new commercial agreement governing the sport.
Attempts by both sides to reach a compromise failed, with the FIA accusing teams earlier in the week of wanting to take over the sport.
FOTA said their new series would encourage more entrants, listen to the wishes of fans and have transparent governance.
The teams, who are due to race in the British Grand Prix tomorrow, also promised "lower prices for spectators worldwide, partners and other important stakeholders.
"The major drivers, stars, brands, sponsors, promoters and companies historically associated with the highest level of motorsport will all feature in this new series," it added.
Former champions Williams and Force India have already committed unconditionally to the FIA's world championship along with three new entrants, Campos, US F1 and Manor.
The FIA has put another group of applicants on hold pending the outcome of talks with existing teams although one would-be new entrant, chassis maker Lola, has already withdrawn its application.
Legal action
The FIA said yesterday it would take legal proceedings against Ferrari and other teams planning a breakaway series.
"The FIA's lawyers have now examined the FOTA threat to begin a breakaway series," the FIA said.
"The actions of FOTA as a whole, and Ferrari in particular, amount to serious violations of law including wilful interference with contractual relations, direct breaches of Ferrari's legal obligations and a grave violation of competition law.
"The FIA will be issuing legal proceedings without delay."