GPWC against changes

By Andrew Hooper
January 18 2003


	GPWC against changes

	As a result of the announcement by the FIA of sweeping rule changes, commencing as early as the 2003 season, the five major car manufacturers Ford, BMW, FIAT, Mercedes Benz, and Renault, release this press statement under the GPWC Group banner. "GPWC also took the opportunity to discuss the announcement issued by the FIA on Wednesday on the subject of “cost cutting” in Formula One. The Manufacturers are in favour of reducing costs, but Formula One needs to keep its fundamental characteristic that it is showcase for the highest level of technology, a place where the most advanced research is applied. It is also important that any change to the rules be established with sufficient advance notice knowing also that any change whatsoever inevitably increases cost, at least in the short term. Therefore GPWC is dismayed to note that the cost cutting measures already proposed by the teams in December last year and supported by the manufacturers have effectively been partially disregarded by the FIA. These measures were widely agreed to be reasonable and adequate and would without doubt have considerably reduced costs and fully enhanced the spectacle of Formula One. Whilst it does not believe that the content, and manner of implementation of Wednesday’s proposed changes are consistent with the contractual framework under which Formula One operates, GPWC is committed to resolving matters in a manner that supports the sport. GPWC will therefore ask the teams affiliated to its members to analyse the appropriate mechanisms available to them, to ensure that changes are not implemented, or precedents set, that will cause problems for Formula One, the teams and the drivers in the future. Additionally the five manufacturers discussed in a positive way to supply - if needed -engines to more teams to guarantee that there is no shortage of engines in Formula One in future. GPWC is also pleased to confirm that Ferrari Spa has replaced Fiat Spa as shareholder and partner with BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford and Renault and has signed together with its partners an Memorandum of Understanding for a close co-operation." Based on these comments it would appear that the car manufacturers are far from pleased with the moves made by the FIA and are going to challenge their implementation. How far both sides of the argument are prepared to go is yet to be seen but even at this early stage there has been some talk of various teams boycotting the first race of the 2003 season in Melbourne. The group believes that the changes that apply to the 2003 championship have come too late to be put into practice: "If the teams are unable to implement these rule changes, there will be a major problem come Melbourne," Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug was quoted as saying by the Swiss press. FIA president Max Mosley is not ready to back down if his comments in the Guardian newspaper are any indication. Mosley was quoted as saying: "If a manufacturer doesn't like the changes, then that is OK. And if a big manufacturer aims at retreating from Formula One for this reason, then that is OK too. We gain more through the change of the rules, than what we lose through the retreat of the manufacturers." This is a brave move by Mosley considering that the manufacturers are the only real avenue for the teams to obtain supplies of engines.