Manufacturers to join FOTA teams in pounding sand in 2010 and beyond

The European Automobile Manufacturer's Association (ACEA) has decided to throw its full weight behind the 'rebel' teams and risk being out of F1 and pounding sand with the FOTA teams they support in 2010 and beyond. There will always be one F1. If the FOTA teams really think they can start up a new series when the FIA and Bernie control the naming rights for F1, and have contracts with all the best circuits as well as massive TV contracts, they are dumber then we first thought.

On the table are Max Mosley's controversial €45 million (US $62m) budget cap (excluding certain salaries and marketing expenses), an amended Concorde Agreement offering an increased portion of F1's revenues to the teams, and a greater role for the teams in the governance of the sport.

"Today, the members of the Board of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association discussed the current situation prevailing in Formula One, and have concluded that the current governance system cannot continue," the ACEA press release begins.

"ACEA has come to the conclusion that the FIA needs a modernized and transparent governance system and processes, including the revision of its constitution, to ensure the voice of its members, worldwide motorsport competitors and motorists are properly reflected."

"The ACEA members support the activities and objectives of the Formula One Teams Association to establish stable governance, clear and transparent rules which are common to all competitors to achieve cost reductions including a proper attribution of revenues to the F1 teams, in order to deliver a sustainable attractive sport for the worldwide public," the statement reads.

"Unless these objectives are met, the BMW, Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Toyota along with the other teams are determined to find an alternative way to practice this sport in a manner which provides clarity, certainty of rules and administration, and a fair allocation of revenues to the competing teams," the ACEA statement concludes.