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[bud]

Following Monday’s confirmation that the team has submitted its formal entry for the 2010 championship, the Formula One Teams Association has today decided temporarily to suspend Williams' membership of FOTA.

“FOTA’s decision, although regrettable, is understandable," stated Team Principal Frank Williams. "However, as a racing team and a company whose only business is Formula One, with obligations to our partners and our employees, submitting our entry to next year’s championship was unquestionable.

"

"In addition, we are legally obliged under our contract with FOM (Formula One Management) and the FIA to participate in the world championship until the end of 2012.”

The FOTA alliance has yet to comment on the matter publically, but meetings are taking place today in London.

E.A. © CAPSIS International

[Gilles 27]

Fair enough, they broke ranks. Clearly not signing up was going to do them no good so i imagine both sides are in an understanding over each others position

[bud]

if the teams stayed united then they have the power! once they start crumbling then Max will have a sly grin!

[Tony_sa]

if the teams stayed united then they have the power! once they start crumbling then Max will have a sly grin!

one can understand the view williams is taking and I'm sure the rest will have a clear understanding of their position in the situation plus the have their contractual obligations as well. your team bud I think will end up breaking rank as well due to all the crap they went thru with the fia recently and if teams find themselves in a situation where max may be digging his heels and threaten them the breach of contract issues they may be forced to enter their cars.

I do understand your take on this since "united we stand" should be the motto but williams has now already started the crumbling of the wall and madmax have seen this. he wont budge from the deadline unless he absolutely has to so i guess if the rest of the teams stand firm to their demands max wont have a choice.

[bud]

thing is WIlliams brought up the legality of his team having to enter the championship. so the threat of the FIA to the teams if they dont lodge their entry by the 29th they will miss out is therefor legally incorrect.

[Jensonb]

In The Williams Team's defense, it sounds like they never actually signed up to boycott.

[scotty]

In The Williams Team's defense, it sounds like they never actually signed up to boycott.

Yep, and to look at it from their point of view, they are different to most of the other teams anyway, as being (arguably) the only true independent team now they wouldn't be much at all without F1...

[Jensonb]

In The Williams Team's defense, it sounds like they never actually signed up to boycott.

Yep, and to look at it from their point of view, they are different to most of the other teams anyway, as being (arguably) the only true independent team now they wouldn't be much at all without F1...

And Brawn GP will soon be the same.

[A.Pulverizer]

Williams could have waited until Friday to file and it could have possibly helped FOTA in negotiations. And does anyone really think that if none of the teams filed by the 29th, the FIA would take no name teams entries filed by the deadline over the established teams late entries? Williams should have at least waited for the deadline to file.

[Denthúl]

Williams could have waited until Friday to file and it could have possibly helped FOTA in negotiations. And does anyone really think that if none of the teams filed by the 29th, the FIA would take no name teams entries filed by the deadline over the established teams late entries? Williams should have at least waited for the deadline to file.

To an extent, yes, I think they would.

I see nothing wrong with Williams lodging their entry. They exist purely for Formula One, so to be left without a place in the sport next season is, quite frankly, too big a risk for them to take. Plus, they are contractually obliged to enter next season and unlike some of the larger teams they are unable to afford to cover the costs of any legal action that Ecclestone may take against them for not honouring that contract.

[cap-dude]

Well, apparently there's a rumour that as a compromise, next year the budget cap will either be scrapped or set at 100 million, but to attract new teams customer cars will be allowed for one year.

Now customer cars was quite a controversial subject when Prodrive tried to enter with a McLaren customer car, with Williams the main protagonist in disallowing customer cars. However with Williams currently suspended from the FOTA, they lose their voice. So customer cars could be quite likely for next year if the rumours are true.

But, who knows whats happening behind closed doors. All I care, is that all the current teams remain for next year, and that we see 1 or 2 new entries. Right now the FIA and FOTA are just throwing around their weight, with leaving threats etc, until the other cracks, in order to get their demands. Currently I'd say that FOTA has the high ground, since no one would risk a season without 9 teams joining. But Mosely seems to be holding his ground and remaining stubborn. Sooner or later the FIA has to give in, and FOTA will get their way.

[MAD MAX]

Read somewhere today Lada will be entering F1 next season

[Gaz]

it looks like Bernie has Williams in his grip somewhat.

[7UpJordan]

That is ridiculous! You can't just kick out a team just because they've submitted their entry for 2010!! I bet it was Flavio's idea to kick them out!!

[Gaz]

That is ridiculous! You can't just kick out a team just because they've submitted their entry for 2010!! I bet it was Flavio's idea to kick them out!!

No i'd say Williams left willingly or somewhat willingly