Massa: Time to try something different

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Felipe Massa has dropped a broad hint another series is on the cards after criticising the "stupid fights" that have wrecked Formula One.
The sport, as we know it, is currently heading for the rocks unless a late compromise deal can be struck over the next few days between the FIA and the Formula One Teams' Association.

That is now growing increasingly unlikely after motor sport's world governing body today issued another damning statement against FOTA.

After yesterday claiming there was a disruptive element within FOTA seemingly intent on preventing an agreement being reached, the FIA has further criticised the group for the latest breakdown in talks.

Adopting an unusual hard-line approach these past two days, the FIA has placed the blame squarely on FOTA after a meeting yesterday in London designed to discuss the financial regulations ended in deadlock.

In conclusion, the FIA has made it clear the £40million budget cap is to go ahead unchanged, threatening the future of several teams.

Appreciably, frustration is growing amongst the drivers as they can do nothing but sit on the sidelines and look on as the row unfolds.

As Massa remarks, it is slowly drawing to a point where the current eight members of FOTA may be forced to go their own way.

"Whatever happens on the race track this weekend (at the British Grand Prix), the current political situation in the sport is bound to make the headlines again," said Massa.

"When I am driving the car I never think about it. I simply concentrate on my job of driving as quickly as possible.

"But outside the cockpit I think about these problems as they do affect me, as they relate to my future and the future of Formula One.

"We are all very concerned about the situation and I follow the developments closely as they affect my professional life, even if I can have no real influence over how the situation evolves.

"That's down to the people who govern the sport and those in charge of the teams.

"We need our sport to be in better shape, because over the past few months there have been some very stupid fights.

"Everyone needs to work hard to make the sport what it should be for the fans, the teams, the sponsors and the drivers. We don't need this fighting.

"The situation looks bad at the moment, but if agreement can be reached then it can have a healthy future.

"If not, then we need to look seriously at what is the best option.

"As the teams appear to be united, then maybe it is time to look at doing something different that could be better for the sport."

Five teams - McLaren, Renault, Toyota, BMW Sauber and Brawn GP - have until Friday to unconditionally sign up to the cap due to come into force from 2010.

A further three teams - Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso - were, against their wishes, entered unconditionally by the FIA on Friday, since when the trio have insisted they remain committed to FOTA.

If FOTA and the FIA are unable to reach any agreement over the next few days, the latter has confirmed more new entrants will be named to make up the 13-team, 26-car grid for next season.