JULY 31, 2008

A new beginning

What goes around comes around. Back in the early 1970s the Formula 1 teams established an association to represent their interests in discussions with the governing body of the sport. That association became the Formula One Constructors Association and was led by Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley. Times change. FOCA became Eccelstone's personal fiefdom, while Mosley moved on to become boss of the organisation that he spent years fighting. In the end the teams ended up with no-one representing them. They were divided and conquered. The news that they have formed an association, which includes Ferrari, is significant because they now will be able to have a united voice - if they can agree on issues. This will then mean that they can negotiate a new Concorde Agreement with Mosley and Ecclestone.

This is obviously a sign that the teams have realised that now is a time to be strong, rather than allowing themselves to be dominated by others. Much will depend on who leads the new alliance, and whether it can stay together, but this is a new force in F1.