| There is
the potential for Formula One to be thrown into a state of confusion with
the various Formula
One team heads indicating that they are prepared not to race in Europe unless
they are exempted from new European arrest warrants.
At a recent meeting the FIA and
teams discussed the issue these arrest warrants and in a letter, sent to the
presidents of the sporting bodies in European countries hosting races,
expressed their concern
The teams indicated that they were only prepared to race in countries whose
governments gave a legally enforceable undertaking not to use the procedure
in connection with Formula One race incidents.
The letter said:
"The teams say they require the above undertaking if they are to race within
the jurisdiction of any of these three countries." The three countries
mentioned are Belgium, Britain, and Spain. Eight EU member states have
implemented the warrant - Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Finland, Spain, Sweden,
Portugal and Britain.
The seven remaining EU members, including race hosts Germany, France and
Italy, will have the warrants implemented by March.
"In view of the potential effect of this development on the Formula One
world championship, would you please take this matter up urgently with the
relevant authorities in your country and inform the race promoter," the
letter concluded.
The warrant, introduced on January 1, replaces national extradition deals
between EU member states with a quicker procedure. Under the EAW it is
possible for a local magistrate to use the it to
order the arrest and extradition of team personnel from their home country.
As a result
WilliamsF1 Technical Director Patrick Head and team designer Adrian Newey, now
technical director at McLaren, were told last year that they must face a new
appeal court hearing into Senna's accident. Previously the teams have
indicated that they may not race in Italy if they risk conviction under
Italian law for race accidents.
BAR-Honda team head David Richards indicated his support for the moves by
the FIA. He said: "We are fully supportive of the stance of the FIA and its
president Max Mosley in this regard."
Sir Frank Williams also showed his support. He said: "Williams supports the
FIA in its energies to represent Formula One's interests in this matter. I
share significant concerns with the wider Formula One community that the
best intentions of the EAW presents a potential risk for teams contesting
Grands Prix in EU signatory states." |
