Ferrari repeat quit threat (again)

Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne has reiterated the Scuderia's threat to leave Formula One if certain compromises could not be reached with Liberty Media in regards to the standardisation of engine regulations and the more even distribution of prize money among the competing constructor teams.

Back in November, various figures in Ferrari, including Marchionne, spoke of their disillusionment at the proposed changes by the new owners of F1, Liberty. The most controversial proposal from the American company would appear to be the proposed standardisation of engines which would effectively even the playing field among all the vehicles, but this has been unfavourably compared to the regulations of NASCAR in the United States.

Marchionne has been one of the most outspoken critics of this, insisting it 'goes against the DNA of F1'. He has, once again, repeated Ferrari's threat to leave for another motorsport discipline.

“The thing that most annoys me is that there is an experienced man like Ross Brawn there who is looking for ways that go against the DNA of Formula One,” Marchionne is quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Making cars all the same with simpler and cheaper engines is like NASCAR, it doesn’t interest us.

“We need to find a balanced solution for the future that satisfies everyone and I think we will do it in time. Otherwise Ferrari will leave. If they sceptics think we are bluffing, they are playing with fire.”

Ferrari is the only constructor team who has competed in every season in Formula One, and Marchionne thinks that the Prancing Horse has the influence to pull other teams away from the sport as well.

“I think that Ferrari has the strength to drag others as well to an alternative championship,” he said.