Accepted entries for the 2010 Formula One season will be announced by the FIA this Friday (UK time). This may not include the Formula One Teams Association members (FOTA) - Ferrari, McLaren, BMW, Red Bull, Brawn GP, Renault, Toro Rosso and Toyota because of their stand against Max Mosley (FIA president) and governance of the sport. Both warring parties have a dilemma. To others it may appear to be a circus.
The FIA are introducing a raft of changes into the championship, which includes some substantial cost cutting measures. Unhappy about this, the FOTA are making their entry conditional on the FIA guaranteeing that the 2009 regulations will be broadly retained next season, which is contrary to the governing body's wish for a budget cap.
Generally F1 commentators see this as an argument or tussle over power, or the governance of the sport, not necessarily over cost cutting measures. You see F1 has got itself into a position where one person determines the rules and essentially runs the sport. Rather than being elected by the teams and the drivers, he is put in this position by the voting from the many different motorsport organisations throughout the world, including New Zealand. The FOTA wants more power to determine their own future.
The dilemma for Max Mosley is that the FOTA appear to be absolutely resolute in their determination and time is running out. He may have a championship in 2010 without the key ingredients – Ferrari, McLaren and the other members of the FOTA. Heaven forbid!
The dilemma for the FOTA is that Max Mosley has a track record of never giving in. He does not bluff; he will carry out his intentions and the FOTA may be forced to set up their own series. No one here is a winner!
To those of us watching from the sideline it appears to be yet another circus. Common sense should prevail. However with power egos can prevail instead.
No doubt it will fizzle into nothing, agreements will have already been reached and they will all get on with going motor racing. This season so far has been fantastic. So let's not spoil the party.
