FIA admits 'concern' over Toyota exit

Wednesday 04, 17:15

The FIA have expressed their concern over the demise of Toyota and Bridgestone this week, after both announced they will leave the sport. Toyota will leave with immediate effect, Bridgestone will however see out it's contact until 2011.

The FIA described the exit of the two Japanese manufacturers as a 'concern', and it looking into clarifying Toyota's legal position as it signed the Concorde deal a few weeks back with which all the teams agreed to commit to F1 until 2012.

The media statement from the FIA read: "Bridgestone has given almost 18 months’ notice of its intentions, thereby allowing the necessary arrangements to be made for the future supply of tyres to the championship. 

"Toyota’s decision, however, comes just weeks after its F1 team signed the new Concorde Agreement until 2012.  

"Urgent clarification is now being sought from the Toyota F1 team as to its legal position in relation to the championship. This will have a direct bearing on the admission of any future 13th entry."

It is thought that the 13th spot will be awarded to Sauber/Quadback after they successfully presented a case for being in F1 to the FIA last month.

Earlier in the year, the FIA and FOTA were locked in a battle over cost-cutting measures, which the FIA deemed necessary to ensure the sport's future.

"The FIA has repeatedly warned that motor sport cannot outpace the world economic crisis. That is why the competing teams have been asked to cut costs and the entry of independent teams has been encouraged. 

"The FIA accepted the cost-reduction measures put forward by the teams on the basis that they would ensure a long-term commitment to the championship. Toyota’s announcement demonstrates the importance of the original cost-reduction measures set out by the FIA.

"The FIA will now work to ensure that Toyota’s departure is managed in the best interests of the championship and will continue to encourage the F1 teams to undertake the necessary cost-cutting measures for the good of the sport."

Image courtesy of the FIA