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Ferrari boss warns of rival Formula One series

Source: Agencies | June 14, 2009, Sunday | Print Edition

FORMULA One manufacturers are ready to set up a rival series if the governing body does not meet their demands on next year's rules, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo said yesterday.

"Definitely this situation will be resolved one way or the other," he told reporters at the start of the Le Mans 24-hour sportscar race.

"Either we race in an F1 with the characteristics we want to maintain or there will be an alternative."

The International Automobile Federation, locked in a standoff with teams, published a 2010 entry list on Friday which included all the current teams.

However, five of them were provisional while Ferrari, which has said it will not race next year unless its conditions are met and a budget cap abandoned, was deemed to be confirmed regardless.

"We want stability, clear rules, a clear and transparent system of governance and the possibility to let teams work to cut costs like they've already shown," said Montezemolo.

"I really hope we manage to find a solution. I'm sure there are responsible people inside the FIA who understand the situation."

He later told Italy's Sky television: "If it is necessary, the big manufacturers are ready to organize an alternative world championship."

Montezemolo, guest of honor as the starter of the sportscar classic, said a return to Le Mans was a possibility for the Italian team.

"A Ferrari at Le Mans? Why not?" he said. "If we can no longer race in F1 this would definitely be an option."

On Friday, the teams and manufacturers took aim at FIA President Max Mosley and called for an overhaul of the world governing body in a deepening crisis over the rules.

In an effort to remove what they see as the major obstacle, the teams association FOTA released a draft letter to the FIA's senate and world motor sport council seeking their help in finding a solution soon.

Mosley, who faced repeated calls for his resignation last year when he was caught in a sado-masochistic scandal, was not mentioned in person and one team source said the aim was to bypass him in a standoff that threatens to split the sport.

The Brussels-based European Car Manufacturers Association also issued a strong statement concluding that the sport's "current governance system cannot continue."
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