That didn't take long, either: FIA reportedly drops lawsuit against FOTA, wants to talk
Take a poll anywhere outside of Max Mosley's or Bernie Ecclestone's motor homes and you'll probably find a preponderance of F1 fans rooting for the Formula One Teams Association. When the FOTA announced a breakaway series for 2010, it took just about 12 hours for the FIA to uncork its laywers. Just two days later, says F1 Live, at the British Grand Prix, Mosley himself said "There won't be any writ. I think we would rather talk than litigate," so everyone could "sit down and iron out the last few difficulties."
After the vitriol in the FIA's lawsuit announcement and the matter of Mosley's rather grand persona, it's hard to believe that this 48-hour about-face is anything other than a frank admission that Formula 1 means little without its marquee teams. Bernie has also chimed in, saying the FOTA can't afford to run a breakaway series, and he can't understand why they'd want to try when he's already arranged everything for them.
Of course, it hasn't helped things that, also during the British GP, Mosley reportedly called the FOTA members "loonies." Nor does it help that the FOTA has already proposed a 17-race calendar for next year -- including Montreal, Indianapolis, Buenos Aires, and Magny Cours, and it has a new name for the series: New Formula. In spite of Mosley's repeated assurances that a deal is close, it can't be a good omen that the FOTA has said they are nowhere close to a deal. Indeed, it may be possible that the FIA might be obligated to oversee the new series. The next six weeks will be some of the biggest the sport has ever seen.
[Source: F1 Live | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Nathan 10:10AM (6/22/2009)
Stand strong, FOTA. I can't handle the thought of having to watch another season of this once-great racing series turned into a boring parade by Mosley. Bring a new series with real innovation, less absurd regulations, less nannying, more excitement and more car design variety.
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John Johnson 10:12AM (6/22/2009)
Like the boys said in Talladega Nights when Ricky Bobby and his wife were getting divorced...
Yay, two Christmases!
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Tony Montana 10:16AM (6/22/2009)
I hope FOTA don't go back to the negotiating table.
Fact of the matter is people are talking about F1 might die but F1 died a long time ago.
We need a new series without any influence from the two dumbasses Mosley and Ecclestone.
It's time F1 had a rethink and FOTA can give the fans what they want with a new series with new regulations, cheaper ticket prices, more races worldwide and transparent rules and regulations and for gods sake no two tier championships.
I hope FOTA resist the FIA and give us fans something entertaining to watch again.
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Joe K. 10:30AM (6/22/2009)
F1's not dead, it just sucks right now.
Alex 10:22AM (6/22/2009)
Bernie just doesn't get it. "he can't understand why they'd want to try when he's already arranged everything for them."
Let me spell it out for you Bernie - because you and Max are a-holes who have sucked the life and excitement out of the sport. Greed has clouded the judgement for too long and the teams have been treated like second class members as opposed to the heart of the series.
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Throwback 10:59AM (6/22/2009)
Exactly! Bernie's response is all you need to read to find out what is wrong with F1.
John B 11:10AM (6/22/2009)
Couldn't agree more. The best thing for the sport of F1 right now is for Max AND Bernie to resign. Those old men have been in their jobs too long - let's see some new blood and a few new ideas.
Jsams4131 10:24AM (6/22/2009)
I hope they won't go back but they have already stated [FOTA] that they are beginning to plan the breakaway series and that there was no longer room for discussion. While one side [FIA], says that they are talking with FOTA members; FOTA has dismissed those claims.
Basically FOTA is sticking to their guns on this one I believe; unless something drastically changes.
All the best to FOTA! Formula Unlimited!
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Pseudopsycho 1:39AM (6/24/2009)
Formula Unlimited is a rather apt name:
Formula 1 is abbreviated to 'F1'
Formula Unlimited is 'FU'... a message to max and bernie :P
Cameron 10:26AM (6/22/2009)
I say let any team that uses a power method that does not burn fossil or alcohol fuels make as much power as they want and in any drivetrain configuration they want. It might take years before this is even worth it, but hey, nothing will drive innovation like dangling the thought of uncapped power.
Once an alternative powered car starts winning races then the FIA can regulate it out of existence!
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Joe K. 10:32AM (6/22/2009)
Alcohol FTW!
slicecom 10:28AM (6/22/2009)
DON'T CAVE FOTA! As long as Max and Bernie are running the show, they'll continue to run it into the ground. STAND STRONG!
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Gav 10:28AM (6/22/2009)
They need to come up with a better name than "New Formula"
Sounds like something you find on powdered baby milk.
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Dondonel 10:35AM (6/22/2009)
I'm with you, I prefer breast over New Formula as well.
Lemon 11:08AM (6/22/2009)
Agreed. There's a lot in a name. Hopefully they choose a good one.
Kiiks 11:19AM (6/22/2009)
I prefer breast over most things, including F1 but I agree it's a bad name.
muki 5:01PM (6/22/2009)
They should name it - Formula GP (grand prix)
atlanta_pete 10:47AM (6/22/2009)
I agree FOTA needs to stick to their guns, but history shows that break-away series like these just do not do so well...does anyone know if FOTA has discussed financial backing for their plans yet? I shudder at the fact that BE and MM can throw a hefty lawsuits at the individual teams if they wish.
Also - kudos for the fans at Silverstone this past weekend...talk about a packed house! Wow, way to go Max - kill it off at the vine.
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Brad 11:06AM (6/22/2009)
FOTA needs to stand strong. Also the little troll Bernie needs to understand that his help in organizing races is not worth $35 million or whatever his going extortion rate is nowadays.
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:34AM (6/22/2009)
If they reconcile I'll be a bit disappointed, because I think the manufacturers would be better off long-term if Bernie weren't in charge.
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