In response to the announcement from the FIA regarding the 2008 Formula One Commission, McLaren has issued the following statement:

"Team McLaren Mercedes note the decision of the FIA to exclude the team from the 2008 Formula One commission

"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."

McLaren's comment is in reaction to the fact that the FIA has chosen six teams to be represented on the commission, based on their nationality, with WilliamsF1 representing Britain.

McLaren is (understandably) questioning the criteria by which teams were chosen. What counted in terms of seniority? With Honda only buying out British American Tobacco in late 2005, some would argue that Toyota is the 'senior' Japanese F1 team. However Toyota, like McLaren-Mercedes is known to be unhappy with many of the proposals being put forward for 2008.

Along with the six F1 teams that will sit on the commission, five race promoters will also be represented, as will the commercial rights holder and the FIA.

Previously all the teams had a vote, as did representatives for the engine manufacturers, tyre manufacturers and even sponsors.