Monolight - Pete’s Blog

The FOTA (Formula 1 Teams Association) vs. FIA row has been going on for weeks. For those who don’t follow the politics of Formula 1, I can’t say I don’t blame you for not following it or understanding it.

Let me sum it up in a nutshell it’s about a proposed budget cap, and also the rules for the 2010 season.

One thing I agree with FOTA, is there should be one set of technical rules, for whether you are spending £40million or £400million. One thing the FIA and FOTA agreed to is have one set of regulations for 2010. As many people pointed out, it would be confusing for people.

However what FOTA don’t like is the £40million budget cap. FOTA quite rightly argue, the cap could cost the teams spending £400 million a lot of jobs. Why the FIA have not agreed to accept gradually reducing budget cap, (Like £100million for 2010, then £40million for 2010) is beyond me.

Anyway, here is my clear and cut solution to the budget cap. If you decide to race under the budget cap, your cars and teams can score points in the FIA championship. If you want to go for the no budget cap option, you can’t score any points.

If by any chance Bernie or Max is read this article, and you do decide to suggest or use this idea please send me a cheque for £1million.

At this rate I think a breakaway series is likely, but knowing Formula 1 a deal will be reached by the morning of Qualifying at Silverstone and everyone will be smiling again.

However I suggested earlier that there would be only 20 cars on the Grid next year, where one of the changes in the Formula 1 rules for 2010 is the increase in grid slots from 24 to 26.

Now either the FIA have been very sneakily clever and saw this row coming or this is just pure co-incidence.

5 teams are defiantly on the 2010 grid, they are the 3 new teams (Campos Grand Prix, Team US F1 and Manor Grand Prix), and 2 existing F1 teams. (William and Force India)

Next we have the 5 other teams (McLaren, BMW Sauber, Renault, Toyota and Brawn) who have to submit unconditional entries by this Friday. If they don’t there are another 5 teams wating to take their place.

That brings us to 10 teams, and 20 slots on the grid filled up, leaving the 3 other teams - Ferrari, Redbull and Toro Rosso.

Now in the case of Ferrari, Redbull and Toro Rosso it’s slightly different. The FIA has said, they are on the 2010 grid, as they have signed the 2005 Concorde agreement, which contracts them to race until 2012. If this is the case this leaves an interesting dilemma.

If the 3 teams are indeed contracted to race in 2010, then the FIA cannot give their slots to anyone else, otherwise the teams could sue the FIA for breach of contract. If Ferrari, Redbull and Toro Rosso decide not to take their slots, the FIA could sue the teams for breach of contract.

Of course, I and I’m sure you will be wanting to see 26 cars on the grid next year, let’s just hope everything gets settled in the next few days.