[Doofy]

Formula One thrown into total chaos as rebel teams opt to go it alone | Mail Online

Formula One was on the brink of collapse late last night as leading teams promised to start a rebel series of their own.

Bernie Ecclestone, the sport’s commercial rights holder, told Sportsmail that a compromise is out of the question after FOTA - the teams’ organisation - voted to found their own pirate world championship.

Following a meeting last night of the eight teams that currently form FOTA - Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren, Renault, Toyota, BMW Sauber, Brawn GP, home of championship leader Jenson Button, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso - have all declined to enter F1 for 2010.

Despite weeks of negotiations with FIA president Max Mosley, the two bodies have failed to find a compromise, leaving the sport in total chaos.

A FOTA statement released after midnight read: ‘The wishes of the majority of the teams are ignored. Furthermore, tens of millions of dollars have been withheld from many teams by the commercial rights holder, going back as far as 2006.

'Despite this, and the uncompromising environment, FOTA has genuinely sought compromise.

‘It has become clear, however, the teams cannot continue to compromise on the fundamental values of the sport and have declined to alter their original conditional entries to the 2010 world championship.

‘These teams, therefore, have no alternative other than to commence the preparation for a new championship which reflects the values of its participants and partners.

‘This series will have transparent governance, one set of regulations, encourage more entrants and listen to the wishes of the fans, including offering lower prices for spectators worldwide, partners and other important stakeholders.

‘The major drivers, stars, brands, sponsors, promoters and companies historically associated with the highest level of motorsport will all feature in this new series.’

Good. About time the fascist's son got a good reaming.

[Dakar V]

I'd comment here, but I just don't know enough about the backstory.

[Laminar]

I'd comment here, but Dakar didn't give me any material to play off of.

[mattyb]

Snobs sport anyway. Fook 'em.

[Dork.]

FOTA - the teams’ organisation - voted to found their own pirate world championship

Arrr, we need all Pirates to assemble for a mighty series of feats of strength and cunning! (And to race a car around town a few times.)

The victor will be crowned the Pirate King!

[angelmb]

‘This series will have transparent governance, one set of regulations, encourage more entrants and listen to the wishes of the fans, including offering lower prices for spectators worldwide, partners and other important stakeholders.

I say, go for it. Was about time.

Snobs sport anyway. Fook 'em.

Did you misread the previous quote?.

[MallyMal]

MotoGP FTW!

[IceEnclosure]

Watching coverage of practice today they said Monaco will refuse to host a F1 series race without Ferrari involved.

And lame that Team US F1 will debut in a broken F1 field.

IRL/Cart. ALMS/Grand Am. F1/Pirate League. I hate this ****.

[Andy8]

Originally Posted by Doofy 

Formula One thrown into total chaos as rebel teams opt to go it alone | Mail Online



Good. About time the fascist's son got a good reaming.

Exactly.

I wonder how the TV broadcasting deals will work, since viewers will drop off to nothing with the old series I guess. (Assuming that networks are locked into the old series)