Dec.28 (GMM) Jean Todt has vowed to continue Max Mosley’s efforts to reduce costs in formula one.
“F1 is too expensive,” the new FIA president said in an interview with France’s Le Figaro daily.
“I am sad that Honda, BMW and Toyota have left, but when one spends enormous amounts of money without the desired results, it is inevitable.
“On the other hand, it is great that new teams are coming in,” said the 63-year-old, who until a few years ago was in charge of the Ferrari team.
Big-spending Ferrari, however, was locked in a bitter row and political battle with Mosley this year, over the former FIA president’s push for budget caps.
Todt agrees with the Briton that the cost measures subsequently introduced “are not sufficient” and blames the political conflict, but clarifies that he is opposed to the “strict limitations of budgets”.
“But if we want to sustain F1, we need a true awakening and fundamental decisions,” said Todt. “Automobile sport must adapt to its time.”
He also said it is regrettable that, due to an unanimous agreement of the FOTA alliance, KERS will not be seen in formula one in 2010.
“I have therefore decided to create a working group,” said Todt, explaining that former Ferrari engine boss Gilles Simon will lead the work on F1’s exploration of new technologies and the environment.
