Change doesn't appeal to Ferrari

Ferrari are to consider withdrawing from Formula One if the FIA pursue their aim of a standardised engine.

Motorsport’s world governing body dropped a bombshell 10 days ago when they opened a tender process to standardise both engines and transmissions from 2010 through to 2013.

It is part of FIA president Max Mosley’s cost-cutting drive in F1, however, the ramifications of such a decision were always going to be far reaching.

Following a meeting of Ferrari’s board of directors in Maranello today, the sport’s most famous brand could walk away if Mosley and the FIA do not alter their plans.

A Ferrari statement read: “The board of directors examined the proposed changes to the Formula One regulations in light of the current global economic crisis.

“Whilst reiterating its wholehearted commitment to a substantial and needed reduction in costs in Formula One, starting with propulsion, the board expressed strong concerns regarding plans to standardise engines.

“It felt such a move would detract from the entire raison d’etre of a sport with which Ferrari has been involved continuously since 1950, a raison d’etre based principally on competition and technological development.

“The board expressed the opinion that should these key elements be diminished, it would have to re-evaluate, with its partners, the viability of continuing its presence in the sport.”

Toyota Motorsport president John Howett has today echoed Ferrari’s sentiments.

“I don’t think any of the manufacturers want a homogenised engine,” said Howett.

“The outcome depends partially on the FIA and the World Motor Sport Council, and whether they have a mind to press through with the idea.

“If it is forced through, then it (quitting) is not a decision we will take here (Toyota F1’s base in Cologne).

“It will be taken by the board in Japan, but they want a degree of differentiation between teams.”

Mercedes, Honda, Renault and BMW are the other four manufacturers currently involved in F1, and it is understood they are of the same mind.

The FIA appear intent on pushing through with their plans as they confirmed today the tender process ends on November 7 with regard to bids for engines and transmissions in combination, and bids for the supply of engines alone.

A minimum of three further weeks is to be given to those companies considering transmission-only bids.

It is understood none of the 10 teams involved in the Formula One Teams’ Association (FOTA) have made a bid, or are likely to bid.

FOTA are to hold a further meeting in relation to implementing cost-cutting measures during the course of this weekend’s season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo.