22/06/2006
NEWS STORY
The row regarding the so-called engine freeze (homologation) is about to come to a head, and it looks as though Formula One could be in for another bumpy ride.
At around 15:00 yesterday afternoon (local time), the Sporting Working Group SWG) sat down to discuss a range of issues most importantly the planned three year 'engine freeze' due to begin in 2008.
All twelve team that will contest the 2008 championship were present, including Prodrive.
Over the next few hours, a number of issues were discussed including such weighty matters at pitlane speeds, however, FIA delegate Charlie Whiting (right), who chaired the meeting, would not allow the engine freeze to be discussed because it was not on the agenda.
It is believed that had there been a vote on the issue at the meeting, the SWG would have voted in favour of the so-called Monaco Agreement, a proposal agreed by the SWG last month by which there is a part freeze.
However, Whiting is understood to have argued that the issue was put forward too late to be included, whereas, ironically, it was Whiting who insisted on a vote at the previous meeting of the SWG (Barcelona), even though the vote was not on the agenda.
According to the 2008 regulations, it is the SWG which decides the sporting rules. These are then passed on to the Formula One Commission and finally on to the FIA World Council, essentially for the proposals to be rubber stamped.
As previously reported on Pitpass the SWG voted, by a majority vote, that the engine freeze be scrapped, however, Max Mosley rejected this, which has led to claims that his decision was undemocratic.
The situation is now coming to a head, for, with a majority of the manufacturers against the freeze, a decision has to be made by June 30. After that time it would require unanimous agreement to make any changes, which would seem impossible as 'battle lines' are clearly drawn, with 8 teams arguing against the freeze, and four (Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull and Toro Rosso) in favour.
What happens next is anybody's guess. It is understood that the manufacturers will ask Mosley to organise a meeting of the Formula One Commission, however, all the time the clock is ticking as the June 30 deadline approaches.
In the eyes of some, it appears that Mosley is playing for time, and that yesterday's meeting, where mostly minor issues were discussed, was an attempt to delay matters until next week's deadline.
Formula One appears to be heading towards a crisis, since, unless the manufacturers make a move, Mosley will get his way and the engine freeze will be approved.
The question is... what is the manufacturers' next move?