Currently reading: Ferrari threatens to quit F1

Ferrari could leave F1 if engines are standardised

Ferrari has announced that it will 'reconsider its participation' in F1 if the FIA pushes through its proposal to make teams use a standard engine.

Ferrari is bitterly opposed to the plans, which the FIA claims will help to cut spiralling costs in F1.

In a statement issued after a board meeting the team said: "The Ferrari Board of Directors expressed strong concerns regarding plans to standardise engines, as it felt that such a move would detract from the entire raison of a sport with which Ferrari has been involved continuously since 1950, a raison d'etre based principally on competition and technological development...

"The Board of Directors expressed the opinion that should these key elements be diminished, it would have to re-evaluate, with its partners the viability of continuing its presence in the sport."

Toyota has also threatened to quit F1 if standard engines are introduced, but the FIA has already introduced a tender so that interested parties can bid to supply standard engines from 2010 to 2012.

Ferrari's decision has put it on course for a direct confrontation with the FIA and its president, Max Mosley.

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