French court rules against Ferrari in FIA case 20 May 2009
A French court has dismissed a legal bid from Ferrari to prevent Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, from introducing new rules for the 2010 season.
Ferrari have objected to FIA plans to give increased levels of technical freedom to teams accepting a voluntary £40 million budget cap, claiming it will create a ‘two-tier’ championship.
The world champions also claimed that the FIA did not have the right to introduce such changes without their agreement. However, the Tribunal de Grande Instance in Paris found that Ferrari had no valid reason to block the FIA plans.
Responding to the decision, the FIA said: "No competitor should place their interests above those of the sport in which they compete. The FIA, the teams and our commercial partners will now continue to work to ensure the wellbeing of Formula One in 2010 and beyond."
Teams have until May 29 to lodge their application for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship. Ferrari are one of a number of teams who have suggested they will not compete next season if the planned rules are not changed.
