The power battle in Formula One continues to rumble on, although a candidate for FIA "transparency" may be on the horizon. Neste Oil gets a celeb boost for their international rally and Shell takes half its rally car to India.
After a game of 'brinksmanship' between the Formula One teams and FIA President, Max Mosley, it appeared that the man they accused of a dictatorial management style had finally submitted with an agreement not stand for re-election as President in October. In return, the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) withdrew their threat to form a breakaway Championship in 2010.
As reported in last month's OATS Bulletin, the dispute hinged around the FIA's decision to impose a $40m budget cap on the teams for next season, a decision that did nothing to improve an already difficult relationship between the teams and the governing body.
Some 'post-victory' gloating by FOTA prompted Mosley to briefly re-consider his decision but it seems that order has been restored and he will definitely stand down. Mosley is backing Jean Todt, the former Ferrari F1 team boss, as his successor, however the 'popular' vote may be with former World Rally Champion-turned-Euro MP, Ari Vatanen.
 Image: Cmonville |
In a strange coincidental twist, F1 is crossing over to rallying on Vatanen's home event, the Neste Oil Rally Finland (formerly the 1000 Lakes Rally which the Finnish star won twice in his career. This year the event, which has been sponsored by Neste for 15 years, will be boosted by the entry of Finnish F1 star Kimi Räikkönen in a Fiat Abarth Grande Punto.
And Shell have been celebrating their involvement in World Championship rallying by cutting a Skoda in half. In fact, the Fabia rally car is a special display to show how Shell Helix Ultra helps lubricate the moving parts. The car is currently touring venues around India.