Mosley calls for reforms to improve Formula One

FIA PRESIDENT Max Mosley has warned Formula One is becoming “unsustainable” and has invited teams to tender proposals on a raft of planned reforms designed to cut costs and improve racing.

In a letter addressed to the 10 team principals and circulated to the media ahead of tomorrow’s British Grand Prix, Mosley said “difficult market conditions” required the sport to drive down the cost of running manufacturer teams by “at least 50%” and improve the fuel efficiency of the cars.

The FIA president has set an October 3 deadline for the submission of proposals, with the new rules set to be implemented for the start of the 2011 season.

Mosley’s letter read: “Formula One is becoming unsustainable. The major manufacturers are currently employing up to 1,000 people to put two cars on the grid. This is clearly unacceptable at a time when all these companies are facing difficult market conditions.

“Also, with attention on problems worldwide, Formula One cannot afford to be profligate in its use of fuel.”

The FIA has already set out part of its green initiative with the planned phased introduction of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), which will channel energy generated under braking into batteries that can then be used to power the cars.

“Without the KERS initiative, some major sponsors might have already left,” Mosley added.

A detailed breakdown of the fuel-saving proposal targeted a 20% reduction in fuel consumption by 2011, “progressing to 50% in 2015”.

At present the fuel consumption rate of Formula One cars is around four miles to the gallon.

“This matter is now urgent,” Mosley continued. “We need proposals that we can turn into detailed rules. These must be ready within three months and have the support of at least the majority of teams, failing which the FIA will itself prepare new rules for 2011.”

Meanwhile British driver David Coulthard confirmed he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season. The 37-year-old from Twynholm in Scotland announced his decision ahead of Silverstone Grand Prix, which will be his 237th start.

The Red Bull Racing veteran made his debut with the Williams team in 1994 before joining McLaren two years later.

Coulthard remained with the Woking-based squad for nine seasons before joining Red Bull in 2005.