The diffuser controversy does not affect the unity of FOTA

The leading figures of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) are convinced that the unity of the organization will not be achieved by the issue of the rear diffusers of the Brawn GP, Toyota, and Williams teams.

Ferrari, Renault and Red Bull Racing have lodged an appeal with the FIA International Court of Appeal because these teams still contest the rear diffusers of the BGP 001, the TF109 and the FW31. This standoff could have threatened the harmony between the teams.

However, the team directors insist that the unity of FOTA will not suffer from the situation.

When asked if there was a threat of a split within FOTA due to what happened, BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen said: « No, not at all. We have discussed openly among the FOTA members. »

There is a clear line of demarcation between jointly securing the future of F1 from our point of view and, on the other hand, there is the operational daily life, which is competition. That’s also one of the challenges.

The vice-president of FOTA John Howett added: I don’t understand why FOTA would suffer the consequences. We are talking about long-term strategic issues for the development of the sport.

« Racing is racing, and by its nature, it is perfectly normal for a team to protest against another team if it believes it has valid reasons to do so. We have no hard feelings about protesting. It’s part of the sport; we are professionals. »