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F1: FIA Unhappy With Toyota Decision
Written by: Adam Cooper   http://www.speedtv.com
11/05/2009
Balen (BEL)
 
The FIA issued a statement Wednesday saying they are concerned about the withdrawals of Bridgestone and Toyota. (Photo: LAT Photographic) ยป More Photos

The FIA has reacted to the withdrawals of Bridgestone and Toyota in what is in effect the first statement under Jean Todt’s regime – although his name was not attached to the press release.

The FIA rightly says that Bridgestone has followed the correct procedure in giving more than a year’s notice of its intention not to tender for the F1 tire supply from 2011 on. Todt and the FIA do of course both enjoy close relationships with the Japanese company.

Intriguingly the release says that Bridgestone gave 18 months notice when in fact the first race of 2011 is around 16 months away, implying that the FIA has known of the decision for some time.

However the FIA has adopted a more aggressive stance towards Toyota, saying that ‘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.’

Toyota has of course committed to the World Championship by signing the Concorde Agreement, whereas BMW did not and the Qadbak/Sauber team has been on standby, waiting for a 13th slot to open up. The FIA presumably wants to know if there is any chance that Toyota intends to allow its team/entry to pass into private hands, something that seems highly unlikely.

The full statement read: ‘The announcements this week by Toyota and Bridgestone of their withdrawal from Formula One are of concern to the FIA.

‘Bridgestone has given almost 18 months’ notice of its intentions, thereby allowing the necessary arrangements to be made for the future supply of tyres to the championship.
‘Toyota’s decision, however,
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 that 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 that 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.’
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