F1 breakaway ‘worst case scenario’

THE Formula One Teams’ Association (FOTA) do not want a war with FIA president Max Mosley, with the threat of a breakaway series to be considered only as a “worst-case scenario”.

However, FOTA’s unified front is weakening, with Force India the latest to submit an unconditional entry to compete in next year’s championship.

The situation is playing into the hands of Mosley, who will next Friday announce the 13 teams due to line up on the grid for 2010.

Ferrari, Toyota, Renault, McLaren, BMW Sauber, Red Bull Racing, Toro Rosso and Brawn GP are the teams left maintaining their stand-off with the FIA.

“From Toyota’s position we are quite relaxed,” reflected FOTA vice-chairman John Howett of Toyota.

“Based on the reaction of the FIA, and the worst-case scenario would be to establish our own series.”