08/12/2011
NEWS STORY
Following Ferrari and Red Bull, Sauber is the third outfit to quit the teams' alliance in the row over cost cutting.
In the eyes of many, the disintegration of FOTA was inevitable, with many surprised it has lasted as long as it has.
However, with growing suspicion over rival teams' adherence to the Resource Restriction Agreement, the need for some teams to ramp up their infrastructure in order to improve on track and commercial negotiations with Bernie Ecclestone, the strength of the Formula One Teams' Association is being tested to the limit. No pun intended.
"Last week the Sauber F1 Team declared its departure from the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA)," said the Swiss outfit in a statement. "We have explained the reasons for the decision to FOTA."
With HRT no longer a member, FOTA is left with just seven teams and it appears to be a case of when and who, rather than if, the next outfit jumps ship.