Formula 1 - Ferrari to Quit?

In an announcement that will surely rock the sport, Ferrari have said they may quit Formula 1 if planned rules are brought in to standardise the engines.

Ferrari hold great historic significance in Formula 1 which dates back to 1950. Without Ferrari, the sport would lose a lot of its allure which is struggling as it is. Their first World Champion was Alberto Ascari in 1952 and they have always been a top performing team. Ferrari F1 Champions to date are,

1952: Alberto Ascari
1953: Alberto Ascari
1958: Mike Hawthorn
1961: Phil Hill
1964: John Surtees
1975: Niki Lauda
1977: Niki Lauda
1979: Jody Scheckter
2000: Michael Schumacher
2001: Michael Schumacher
2002: Michael Schumacher
2003: Michael Schumacher
2004: Michael Schumacher
2007: Kimi Räikkönen

The Formula 1 ruling body, The FIA, have said the changes are necessary to cut rising costs and intends to implement these new rules from the 2010 season onwards.

A statement was released from Ferrari,

"We have major reservations over any proposals that would lead to teams using the same engines. It would deprive Formula One of its whole reason for existing, which is based on competition and technological development. If these elements were to become obsolete, our Administrative Council reserves the right, after consultation with its partners, to evaluate whether we remain committed to the discipline."

It is unlikely that the FIA will back out of their proposed Engine move so we now run into a bit of a stalemate. Bernie Ecclestone said,

"What we want is to reduce the necessity to spend to be competitive. That is the simplest thing."

I can see both sides of the argument here, but surely some kind of middle ground can be found. Formula 1 without Ferrari? It doesn't bare thinking about. Lets hope some sort of agreement can be reached.



Phillipe Massa has an outside chance of grabbing the 2008 title for Ferrari this season. With one race to go in his native Brazil, he trails Lewis Hamilton by 7 points. He would need to win and Lewis Hamilton finish 7th or lower.

Ferrari look good for the Constructors championship of 2008.

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