Ferrari has dramatically declared it would consider its Formula 1 future if the FIA's controversial plans to introduce standardised engines are pushed through.
The FIA's shock announcement earlier this month that it had opened up a tender process for standard engines and transmissions systems for three seasons from 2010 met with immediate disapproval from F1's car manufacturer squads.
And although a meeting between the Formula One Team's Association (FOTA) and Max Mosley appeared to put the matter on the back burner last week, the FIA signalled on Monday that it was continuing with its 'single make' engine plan.
And just hours after the governing body's statement, the sport's most successful and iconic team, Ferrari - an ever present in the world championship since its inauguration in 1950 - delivered its stark warning.
Following a board meeting, a statement from the Italian firm said that while it supported the need to cut-costs in F1, the introduction of standard engines would trigger a re-evaluation of its team's future.
"Whilst reiterating its wholehearted commitment to a substantial and needed reduction in costs in Formula 1, starting with propulsion, the Ferrari board of directors expressed strong concerns regarding plans to standardise engines as it felt that such a move would detract from the entire raison of a sport with which Ferrari has been involved continuously since 1950, a raison d'etre based principally on competition and technological development," the Ferrari statement read.
"The board of directors expressed the opinion that should these key elements be diminished, it would have to re-evaluate, with its partners the viability of continuing its presence in the sport."
Source: ITV.com/F1
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