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The FIA has said it is seeking legal clarification from Toyota regarding its abrupt withdrawal from the Formula One World Championship.
The Japanese manufacturer’s decision came only days after the end of the 2009 season but also just weeks after it had signed the Concorde Agreement, committing itself to F1 until the end of 2012.
Although rumours have persisted about Toyota’s future ever since Honda withdrew 11 months ago, it had always signalled its intent to continue prior to Wednesday’s announcement.
The decision to make an immediate and complete withdrawal from the sport comes just two days after Bridgestone also announced it was pulling out.
However, the Japanese tyre supplier is at least honouring its current contract which expires at the end of 2010.
With Toyota citing financial pressures as the primary reason for its departure, world motorsport’s governing body also emphasised its own ongoing commitment to cutting costs.
Former FIA president Max Mosley initially tried to impose a voluntary £40 million budget cap, yet that was vehemently opposed and almost led to a breakaway series.
Instead the teams agreed to reduce spending “back to early 1990s levels within two years” following a breakthrough meeting with Mosley at the end of June. Sky Sports
“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,” the FIA said.
“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.”
The FIA said it had repeatedly warned that “motorsport cannot outpace the world economic crisis” and had acted accordingly to cut costs and allow new, independent teams in.
“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,” it added.
“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.” Yahoo! Eurosport
