The un-thinkable has happened!

古惑強

A breakaway series from F1, announcement from FOTA :

FOTA statement in full
“Since the formation of FOTA last September the teams have worked together and sought to engage the FIA and commercial rights holder, to develop and improve the sport.

“Unprecedented worldwide financial turmoil has inevitably placed great challenges before the F1 community. FOTA is proud that it has achieved the most substantial measures to reduce costs in the history of our sport.

“In particular the manufacturer teams have provided assistance to the independent teams, a number of which would probably not be in the sport today without the FOTA initiatives. The FOTA teams have further agreed upon a substantial voluntary cost reduction that provides a sustainable model for the future.

“Following these efforts all the teams have confirmed to the FIA and the commercial rights holder that they are willing to commit until the end of 2012.

“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. 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 major drivers, stars, brands, sponsors, promoters and companies historically associated with the highest level of motorsport will all feature in this new series.”

古惑強

Rumour is that it might call "New Formula)

A good article on why & how FIA vs FOTA got to this stage.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol ... ffset=12&page=2

Trevor

If no more F1... what will they call the new championship?

Simon

咁今年餘下賽事咪唔駛開發下年戰車?

Simon

咁複雜...唔明添.
即係下年唔駛跑?

古惑強

So that automatically means that Williams will win the 2010 constructor championship and both of their drivers will take the crown and 2nd place.

古惑強

FIA's statement

"The FIA is disappointed but not surprised by FOTA’s inability to reach a compromise in the best interests of the sport,"  the statement reads. "It is clear that elements within FOTA have sought this outcome throughout the prolonged period of negotiation and have not engaged in the discussions in good faith.

“The FIA cannot permit a financial arms race in the Championship nor can the FIA allow FOTA to dictate the rules of Formula One.”