OCTOBER 27, 2008

So Formula 1 without Ferrari...

Ferrari says that it is not going to be involved in Formula 1 with standardised engines. This is reiterating what several other manufacturers have said (either on or off the record).

The Ferrari Board of Directors examined the proposed changes to the F1 regulations, in the light of the current global economic crisis. The company says that it has a "wholehearted commitment to a substantial and needed reduction in costs in Formula 1, starting with propulsion", but the Ferrari board expressed "strong concerns" regarding plans to standardise engines as it felt that such a move would detract from the entire raison d'etre of a sport with which Ferrari has been involved continuously since 1950, based principally on competition and technological development. The board of directors expressed the opinion that should these key elements be diminished, it would have to re-evaluate, with its partners the viability of continuing its presence in the sport.

There is a clear message here for the FIA. Hopefully someone within the federation will take the hint.