F1: USF1 Will Face FIA Action

Formula 1

F1: USF1 Will Face FIA Action

The troubles for the failed USF1 team may just be starting...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted March 11, 2010 Sakhir (BHR)

Ken Anderson (Left) and former Williams team manager Peter Windsor (Right) founded USF1 and had hoped to make the 2010 Formula One Grid. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

The FIA has moved to separate to the prosecution and judgment functions in disciplinary matters – and US F1 could be the first competitor to face action under the new system.

Ken Anderson (Left) and former Williams team manager Peter Windsor (Right) founded US F1 and had hoped to make the 2010 Formula One Grid. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

The FIA World Motor Sport Council announced the measure after it met in Bahrain on Thursday on the eve of the first race of the season.

Recent judgments by the WMSC have caused some controversy because former FOA President Max Mosley was widely regarded as having had too much power when he in effect fulfilled the roles of ‘judge, jury and executioner.’ His successor Jean Todt pledged to make things more transparent.

A statement said: “The FIA President exercises the function of prosecution. He conducts the inquiries and decides to bring a matter before the judging body of the WMSC when he considers that there is reason to do so.

“The judging body of the WMSC is made up of all the Council members with the exception of any member who has taken part in the inquiry or investigation. It is chaired by the FIA Deputy President for Sport.

“Any decision of the judging body is taken in the absence of the FIA President, the reporter, and any person who has taken part in any way whatsoever in the inquiry or investigation.

“Any disciplinary decision of the World Council is subject to appeal before the FIA International Court of Appeal.”

The WMSC also looked at the failure of USF1 to show up this season, and the body has “mandated the FIA President, in full compliance with the new code of practice for disciplinary matters, to take forward the most appropriate action.”

That doesn’t sound too promising for Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor, and doesn’t bode well for their chances of being granted an entry for 2011.

The WMSC also confirmed that a process choosing that entry will soon be opened. It also said that a reserve would be chosen.

The WMSC also said that “subject to final approval of the calendar by the World Council, Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, President of FOM, has informed the FIA that India will host a Formula One event in 2011.”

Meanwhile Michael Schumacher has been appointed as Drivers’ Representative for the Circuits Commission, and Karun Chandhok has – on the eve of his debut – been granted a Superlicence.

The FIA has also decided to rotate its December meetings and prize giving ceremony. This year’s will still be held in Monaco but Dr Vijay Mallya has volunteered India as a possible host for 2011, although no decision has been taken.

Adam Cooper notched up his 25th season as a racing journalist in 2009. Born in London, England, he saw his first F1 race at age 10 in 1976. He began freelancing for Autosport magazine in 1985 and was on the fulltime staff from 1987-92. He then went freelance again, initially spending two years in Japan before following the 1994 Champcar series from a base in Indianapolis. He has not missed a Grand Prix since Suzuka ‘94, a run that has extended to Abu Dhabi ’09. Adam has written books about Eddie Irvine, Piers Courage and Michael Schumacher and hosts a race preview show on Sirius XM. He has written about F1 for SPEEDtv.com since 2005. Check out Adam's Blog or follow him on Twitter