ESPNF1 Staff
October 18, 2011
Stefano Domenicali says a lack of trust could see the end of FOTA © Getty Images
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has questioned the need for the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) to continue.
The FOTA members - which includes every team except HRT - have been disagreeing over the implementation of the Resource Restriction Agreement, which is aimed at keeping costs down, by certain teams. The future of the association is important for the teams as they try to get the best deal out of the next Concorde Agreement, with Bernie Ecclestone preferring to negotiate with each team individually. Domenicali, however, admits that the current issues could be the end for FOTA.
"In terms of the cost cutting (disagreement), we can no longer afford to continue like this," Domenicali told AFP. "If there is no trust, there is no need to go forward. We know why FOTA was put together so we need to understand whether we still need it. What are the objectives for the future of FOTA, if it has a future?"
Christian Horner agrees that the future of the association is in danger, telling Reuters: "If we can't find agreement within FOTA on that then what is the purpose of FOTA?"
FOTA president Martin Whitmarsh, however, said that the teams need to continue to work together, even though there will always have to be compromise.
"I think we have got to improve [the RRA]," Whitmarsh said. "I think we have got to work together to enhance trust and mutual respect in the process. Will we ever reach a stage where everyone is very comfortable, has no concern, no accusation? I doubt (that), but I think it has been the right thing for the sport and I think we have got to continue to persevere with it."
Credit: ESPN F1 (en.espnf1.com)
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