Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo has warned the FIA they face a mutiny from the car manufacturers in F1 if they do not resolve the row over rules and funding.
The FIA wants to bring in a £40 million budget cap, with hefty penalties for teams that do not operate within that limit, in time for the 2010 season.
Although Ferrari have been accepted unconditionally on the entry list for the 2010 season they could still leave F1.
The FIA claims to have a contract with the Italian team for them to be in F1 for another two seasons, while Ferrari claim the FIA have breached that contract by not consulting them on the proposed rule changes.
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Montezemolo says he will explore other possibilities for Ferrari if the dispute is not resolved soon. InTheNews.co.uk
“Either we race in an F1 with the characteristics we want to maintain or there will be an alternative,” said Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo.
“Definitely this situation will be resolved one way or the other.”
“We want stability, clear rules, a clear and transparent system of governance and the possibility to let teams work to cut costs like they’ve already shown,” added Montezemolo.
“I really hope we manage to find a solution. I’m sure there are responsible people inside the FIA who understand the situation.”
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association’s (Acea) threat of a breakaway series has been seen as an attack on FIA president Max Mosley. BBC Sport
He later said: “If it is necessary, the big manufacturers are ready to organise an alternative world championship.”
Montezemolo, guest of honour as the starter of the sportscar classic, said a return to Le Mans was a possibility for the Italian team.
“A Ferrari at Le Mans? Why not?” he said. “If we can no longer race in F1 this would definitely be an option.
“Between Ferrari and the 24-hours there is an historic link and I am happy to be here as the starter for a race that I admire for the spirit of its clean competition. Guardian.co.uk
“We cannot repeat every day that we will not enter the next Formula 1 championship with these rules and without taking care of the Ferrari rights,” he said.
“I am not happy. We are not happy. We are very unhappy with the situation as it is, mainly for the public, for the spectators.
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“I’m very pleased to have new teams, and when I say teams I mean Formula 1 not Formula 3.”
Di Montezemolo stressed the teams are prepared to cut costs and work with the FIA to further grow the sport of Formula One. TSN.ca
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