Zoom The horse might wish to prance elsewhere

Ferrari's Board of Directors has declared its intention to reconsider the company's involvement in Formula One if the controversial standard engine and transmission option proposed by FIA President Max Mosley ever comes into effect with the 2010 season.

Despite negative reactions from all manufacturer teams, and the subsequent belief that Mosley's suggestion was not a true priority, the FIA nonetheless confirmed on Monday that the drastic cost-cutting measure was moving ahead with interested suppliers invited to present their proposals before November 7th.

Citing that such a measure would undermine the basis of F1 - competition mixed with technological development – Ferrari has made it understood that the famous Italian marque may no longer wish to be involved in the sport it has supported continuously since 1950.

Ferrari's position follows Toyota's strong reaction at Formula One possibly becoming a standard-engine series, with the Japanese organisation considering a return to Le Mans and prototype racing.

"We believe Formula One must remain a technological challenge," Toyota declared to Racing-Live. "This is an important point for Toyota and provided this does not change we expect to continue in Formula One until at least 2012."

Mosley has downplayed the importance of having manufacturer teams racing with engines designed by another firm, while the interested parties do not wish to consider such a prospect for obvious reasons.

All teams have indicated their support for cost reductions in F1; meetings between the FIA and FOTA are scheduled to take place in order to look at other options. No doubt the standard engine subject will be on the order.

Ferrari statement in full
"The Board of Directors of Ferrari SpA met today under the chairmanship of Luca di Montezemolo, to examine the third quarter results. The Board of Directors also examined the proposed changes to the Formula One regulations, in the light of the current global economic crisis.

"Whilst reiterating its wholehearted commitment to a substantial and needed reduction in costs in Formula One, starting with propulsion, the Ferrari Board of Directors expressed strong concerns regarding plans to standardise engines as it felt that such a move would detract from the entire raison of a sport with which Ferrari has been involved continuously since 1950, a raison d’etre 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."

Daniel BASTIEN / E.A
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