More teams could snub 2010 F1 entry deadline
When confirming reports that the Japanese outfit may not submit an official 2010 entry by the May 29 deadline, team president John Howett said in Barcelona: "I don't think that is a unique opinion among other competitors."
The big-spending teams are furious that they have been pushed into a corner to accept Max Mosley's vision for a 40m pounds sterling spending limit next year.
The official line is that it is the so-called 'two-tier' element that they don't like, but Williams' Patrick Head pointed out in Spain that – if pushed through – sensible teams will have no option but to agree to the cap.
One of the technical freedoms for capped teams next year is an adjustable rear wing, and Head noted that it alone will deliver "a second-and-a-half, two seconds a lap" advantage.
"Now, no amount of expenditure anywhere else will make up for that difference," the Briton said.
Many seasoned observers are predicting a huge and messy fight, with Bernie Ecclestone – in control of the sport's commercial income – said to be ready to side with the FIA.
Howett told Reuters: "I used to believe that common sense would prevail, but I have to say that I'm becoming more pessimistic that it does."
An unnamed FIA representative told the Times newspaper: "It could be that some manufacturers might use this conflict as an excuse to leave F1, when the real reason may be more to do with the economy."
It is believed that FIA president Mosley, despite the recent death of his son, is willing to meet with teams in London next week.