Ferrari loses its battle with the FIA

Ferrari had filed an injunction before the Paris Court against the FIA. The verdict was delivered yesterday, but only became known today, and the Maranello team lost. It will no longer be able to prevent the FIA from imposing the budget cap rule of 40 million pounds for the 2010 season.

The affair has been ongoing for a few weeks, and Ferrari, which could not let this rule pass in its interest, had dragged the FIA before the French courts. Overruled, Scuderia Ferrari will have to comply with the rule, or not participate in the 2010 Formula 1 championship. The FIA vs. FOTA war continues.

Especially since action is becoming urgent. Indeed, the rule requires teams to register for the 2010 championship between May 22 and 25. Several new teams have already come forward, but most of the top teams still categorically refuse the FIA’s plans for next year.

Ferrari had come to the Paris Court of First Instance, asserting its veto, opposing a registration date that was too close and very restrictive. The FIA – International Automobile Federation – then stated that it no longer had any reason to exist as the objective was to encourage the entry of small teams into future Formula 1 championships.

The President of the FIA, Max Mosley, expressed disappointment with Ferrari’s attitude and their willingness to prioritize their interests over those of the sport: « No competitor should place their interests above those of the sport they are competing in. »

The FIA, the teams, and our commercial partners will continue to develop F1 to ensure a bright future for it in 2010 and beyond. Currently, 8 teams have applied to the FIA: Wirth Research, Lola, USF1, Epsilon Euskadi, RML, Formtech, Campos, and iSport. Rumors about Prodrive remain unsubstantiated.

The FIA is therefore still in a struggle with FOTA (representing the teams) to get its new rule accepted. For now, Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull, Toro Rosso, and Toyota have expressed their dissatisfaction with this regulation and the budget cap, thus refusing to register for the 2010 championship.