The idea of teams fielding three cars in the Grand Prix has not gone down well with the Formula One Team Association (FOTA) Chairman Martin Whitmarsh, who says that it would probably ruin the smaller outfits.
At the outset, 12 competing teams can field a maximum of two cars, however, big teams such as Ferrari have been inclined towards adding one more member, making a total of three. Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo had even gone to the extent of saying, that smaller teams should focus on competing in Grand Prix 2, if they are falling short of money.
"We have a duty to support the sport and the teams. It will probably destroy the smaller teams. Red Bull McLaren, Ferrari, and may be Mercedes can possibly do it, but if we manage the sports badly, the number of teams may drop to eight," Whitmarsh said, as he addressed the reporters present at the event. "There should be sustained business for all teams," he added.
It was stated that Formula One Team Association was mulling upon the idea of three teams, along with FIA, wherein FIA boss Bernie Ecclestone had reportedly turned down the proposal vehemently.
When Michael Schumacher was to get out of retirement in 2009, Ferrari was quite inclined to have him as a third racer, but their desires could not be fulfilled due to the regulations.
Montezemolo had opposed saying that spectators wish to see skilled racers and there was no logic behind taking in slow drivers and teams.
Speculations are rife that there are rifts between Formula One Team Association and FIA, wherein the former also threatened to commence a breakaway series, but Whitmarsh said they are in right direction to resolve each and every issue. "At no time FOTA suggested breakaway series openly. The sport needs to be managed well and the teams need to cooperate. We have made progress but not good enough. Talking it openly will not be helpful,” he said.
FIA and Formula One Team Association have been opposing each other over regulations, particularly because of the budget cap of 40 million pounds.
