Zoom Vatanen calling for a change of culture at the FIA

Defeated FIA presidential candidate Ari Vatanen squarely blames Formula One's governing body for provoking major car manufacturers into leaving the series, and says he understands why Renault might want out.

"If you analyse it Renault is right, they are a serious international corporation and not loonies like [former FIA President] Max Mosley has called them," vatanen said in an interview with CNN. "They are just very disillusioned with the governance of Formula One."

The former World Rally Champion and European parliamentarian believes that the economic crisis – although it certainly plays its part – serves mostly as an excuse to quit the sport rather than deal with the incessant political conflicts.

Amid uncertainty regarding Renault's long-term participation in F1, Vatanen said manufacturer teams would remain "If the sport was known for positive news and if it was a good avenue for marketing and promotion.

"But Formula One is only known for conflict, crisis and court cases recently, and big companies cannot afford that," he said.

"We must realize the economic realities have nothing to do with the crisis," Vatanen continued. "Big companies always look to market and promote, even when times are tough, but only if it is in a sensible way."

In a statement issued yesterday, Ferrari also blamed the sport's governance for creating a negative atmosphere within F1.

"In reality the steady trickle of desertion is more the result of a war against the big car manufacturers by those who managed the sport, than the effects of the economy that affected Formula One over the last years," Ferrari asserted.

Over a 12-month period, Honda quit last December, BMW announced its plans to leave at the end of the 2009 season, and yesterday Toyota confirmed its departure with immediate effect.

Although key Renault people have been confirming their involvement in the 2010 championship, it remains unknown if the French carmaker plans to stay beyond next season. That decision will be taken within the next few weeks.

Whether Renault decides to stay or quit, the fact they are considering their options is a warning message in itself that the FIA and its new President Jean Todt should quickly heed, Vatanen insisted.

"It is the final alarm call that we cannot continue with business as usual," he said. "I'm sad to say the old guard are still in power in the FIA but teams are starting to vote with their feet."

Daniel BASTIEN
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