Renault are the latest high-profile team threatening to quit Formula 1 unless proposals to adopt a £40m budget cap in 2010 are shelved.
Ferrari joined Toyota and Red Bull in declaring their intention to pull out of F1 because of the plans.
And Renault boss Flavio Briatore said: “If the decisions are not revised, we have no choice but to withdraw from the world championship at the end of 2009.”
Ferrari, meanwhile, say they will race in other series if they quit the sport.
“If it really was like that, then I have to say that our cars will race in other competitions, where - and I am absolutely convinced about that - they will find the enthusiasm and the passion of millions of fans,” said Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo.
“Racing is part of Ferrari’s DNA and this is something that will never change.”
Reports have speculated that the Italian team might set up a rival series, compete in the United States, or enter cars in the Le Mans 24 hour race.
And Ferrari driver Felipe Massa insists the team would make a success of a change of series, saying: “Since I was a child, Ferrari has been the synonym for racing for me.
“That’s why I’m convinced that even if the Scuderia is forced to leave F1, there will be other competitions where it will be possible to admire the Reds on the track.
“I understand why the company has got to this point. The idea of having a championship with two velocities, with cars, which for example are allowed to have flexible wings or an engine without a rev limiter, is absurd.” BBC Sport
Renault president Bernard Rey said: “We remain committed to the sport, however we cannot be involved in a championship operating with different sets of rules, and if such rules are put into effect, we will be forced to pull out at the end of this season.”
Mosley is now under serious pressure to revise the rules announced on April 29 following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council.
Renault team boss Flavio Briatore said: “Our aim is to reduce costs while maintaining the high standards that make Formula One one of the most prestigious brands on the market.
“We want to achieve this in a co-ordinated manner with the regulatory and commercial bodies, and we refuse to accept unilateral governance handed out by the FIA.” The Press Association
The FIA laid down the new restrictions as a response to the global financial downturn which has ensured that F1 must rein in its expenditure.
According to Renault, “there is frustration that FOTA?s (Formula One Teams Association) constructive proposals, including major cost saving measures to be adopted progressively between 2009 and 2012, which were carefully constructed by FOTA members, have been completely ignored without any form of consultation by the FIA with the teams,” the statement added.
“It should be stressed that FOTA has set the same, if not lower, financial objective as the FIA, but Renault strongly believes that this must be introduced through a different procedure agreed by all parties.
“Renault also believes that it is paramount that the governance of the sport is coordinated with a spirit of consultation with all parties (FIA, FOM, FOTA) in order to achieve a better balance between the costs and the revenues.
“Renault is also of the firm view that all entrants in the World Championship must adhere to and operate under the same regulations.” AFP
Bernie Ecclestone has cast himself in the role of mediator after Formula One’s precarious future took another damaging twist yesterday when Renault joined Ferrari in threatening to leave the sport unless the budget cap planned for next season is scrapped.
Renault team principal Flavio Briatore, a co-owner of QPR football club along with Ecclestone, said: ‘We refuse to accept unilateral governance handed out by the FIA. If their decisions are not revised we have no choice but to withdraw from Formula One at the end of 2009.’
The matter will be discussed at a meeting in London tomorrow which, it has emerged, has been set up at Ecclestone’s behest. Daily Mail
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