Autosport is carrying an interesting story regarding BMW and Honda’s call for the FIA to quickly resolve the instability caused by the majority vote to keep Max Mosley in position this week.Sharing their view, Dr. Theissen and Nick Fry urged the FIA to solve the issue and shared some of their thoughts concerning the backlash that is happening. Of interest to me (I am probably reading too much in to it) is Dr. Theissen’s comment:
“But what we will see now, is that this controversial situation between the FIA and the membership clubs will certainly make people aware of the fact that the FIA is not in the first instance motorsport. It is in the first instance a worldwide body for the motoring clubs.” “We expect that the FIA as a body sticks to its role and handles it professionally, which means governing motorsport – governing F1 and the other series,”
I find this interesting because it is shining a light on the fact that motorsport is not the first priority or mission of the FIA. If a splinter group is fomenting, could it be geared for motorsport exclusively? Could Dr. Theissen be hinting and the manufacturer’s removing themselves from the FIA governance and developing their own motorsport organization?
The rest of the comments:
“We respect the decision of the FIA, but it is now a very critical situation for the FIA – between it and its membership clubs. And apparently this does not only affect the FIA, but also external partners like the car industry or motorsport.
“But none the less, only the FIA can solve this situation. So we respect the decision and now we have to see how it develops.”
When asked by autosport.com if he was worried that the troubles within the FIA could damage F1, Theissen said: “I think it depends on what goes on in the coming weeks, within the FIA. It is quite critical.
“But what we will see now, is that this controversial situation between the FIA and the membership clubs will certainly make people aware of the fact that the FIA is not in the first instance motorsport. It is in the first instance a worldwide body for the motoring clubs.”
Honda Racing CEO Nick Fry backed Theissen’s view that he hoped the current uncertainty could be ended quickly.
“We recognise that the FIA reached its decision following due process,” he said about the Mosley verdict. “However, the reaction of motoring clubs around the world demonstrates a genuine concern about the extent to which the President of the FIA is able to carry out his role following these events.
“Despite the strong contributions Max has made to the sport, we share this concern and we would wish to see a speedy end to the current instability.”
Theissen added that he hoped the wranglings within the FIA would not have an impact on its ability to act as the governing body for motor sport and automobiles.
“We expect that the FIA as a body sticks to its role and handles it professionally, which means governing motorsport – governing F1 and the other series,” he said.
“We also expect the current initiatives of cost reduction and introduction of future technology to be carried on and to be really put in place.”
All very interesting to be sure. Max may not only have the large clubs exodus to consider but the entirety of F1 to lose as well. Bernie and the manufacturer’s could make this happen. Bernie could also use some larger TV revenue sharing as a incentive as well. Jsut starting conspiracy theories here. ;)
