Mosley to meet with FOTA this week

(GMM) A spokesman for the FIA on Wednesday confirmed that Max Mosley has committed to meeting with the F1 teams' alliance FOTA this week.

He did not say on which day the meeting with the Paris federation's president will take place.

The meeting comes amid the deteriorating political situation in formula one, with major teams including the legendary Ferrari threatening to quit over the budget caps issue.

Many observers have interpreted Ferrari's move as posturing, but the Maranello based team's stance has been backed fully by another major Italian sporting body.

Giovanni Petrucci, head of the Italian Olympic Committee CONI (Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano), said: "We stand side by side with Ferrari and its manager."

Elements of the Italian press are also taking the threat seriously, like Gazzetta dello Sport, who believe the prospect of an "alternative" series is growing.

The daily publication said Ferrari turning to competition with "Audi and Peugeot" in Le Mans sports cars is also possible, while Corriere dello Sport believes the Prancing Horse could go to an American series.