Jean Todt says that he is prepared to reconsider the return of Bahrain to the F1 calendar.
The FIA president has replied to the FOTA request for a change by pointing out that the Concorde Agreement has precedence over the International Sporting Code. He also emphasised that the changes were proposed and voted for by Bernie Ecclestone.
He added that the delagete of the F1 Commission – Stefano Domenicali – voted in favour.
In other words he has tried to establish that the FIA has correctly followed procedures.
He says that the FIA “has at its heart the smooth running of the championship and the interests of the teams,” and is thus has asked the “Commercial Rights Holder to re-examine his calendar proposal, and if necessary, to submit a revised proposal to the World Council.”
The FIA has also released a copy of FOTA’s letter to the FIA, Bernie and Bahrain. It reads as follows:
“Following the announcement by the World Motor Sport Council of the revised calendar for the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship, on behalf of all Teams belonging to FOTA we would like to state that the amended 2011 calendar is unrealistic.
“Whilst we support the idea of racing in Bahrain – a country that has always hosted us with enthusiasm and warmth – once the security conditions have been fully reestablished, we feel that there are fundamental issues linked to the logistics of reintroducing such a race as proposed that have to be considered.
“As we have been planning around the 30th October as the date for the Indian Grand Prix, a change of this date would severely undermine our scheduled transport plans. Similarly, our sponsors, international media
and fans have organised travel and accommodation for the Indian Grand Prix and changing it now would cause an unacceptable degree of disruption and cost.
“Most importantly, the addition of the Indian race to the calendar for 2011 was a fantastic development for the sport and it is critical that we do not undermine its success by these changes. With regard to holding a race in Bahrain this year, we also have been warned that insurance coverage could not be necessarily granted and this is an additional cause of concern for us.
“We would also like to highlight that an extension of the 2011 F1 season in December could also prove unbearable for the staff of a vast majority of the Teams and it would conflict with our other internal activities already scheduled for that month.
“Finally, we would like to draw your attention to articles 65, 66 and 198 of the International Sporting Code that define the deadlines for the publication of calendars for FIA Championships (art. 198), as well as the procedures for modifying the dates and venues of the events (art. 65 and 66) where the consent of all competitors is required.
“We are, of course, willing to discuss all other aspects of the calendar with the FIA and the Commercial Rights Holder and look forward to doing so very soon. In the meantime, we trust that you will appreciate the necessity of reconsidering the calendar proposed for the remainder of the 2011 F1 season. We look forward to hearing your considerations and suggestions on these issues.”
Adam Cooper F1 