McLaren stung by exclusion from F1 body
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-06-01 10:21
LONDON, May 31 - Former champions McLaren criticised Formula One's
governing body on Wednesday after losing their place on a key commission from
2008.
The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) said just six of the
12 competing teams, each chosen on national identity, would have a vote on its
Formula One commission from 2008.
Red Bull (Austria), Renault (France), BMW (Germany), Ferrari (Italy), Honda
(Japan) and Williams (Britain) were elected to the 13 member commission which
must approve any changes to Formula One's sporting and technical regulations.
All the teams currently have a vote, along with representatives of engine
suppliers, sponsors and tyre makers.
"Team McLaren Mercedes note the decision of the FIA to exclude the team from
the 2008 Formula One commission," the team said in a statement.
"It seems surprising that the second oldest and most successful Formula One
team for the past 40 years, with 148 grand prix victories, has not been included
as a team representative."
The other members of the commission are five representatives of race
promoters (Australia, Brazil, Hungary, Monaco and Spain) as well as the
commercial rights holder and FIA.
The FIA, who want to simplify decision making in the sport after the expiry
of the existing commercial agreement at the end of 2007, can expect plenty of
allies on the new-look commission.
McLaren and Toyota are members of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Assocation
(GPMA) and have been critical of plans to freeze engine development.
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