The FIA has asked the Formula 1 rights’ holder, Bernie Ecclestone, to re-submit a revised calendar if he deems it necessary to do so.
The Formula One Teams’ Association sent a letter (found here) to the FIA demanding a reversal of the reinstatement of the Bahrain GP on logistical grounds.
FIA president Jean Todt responded to the letter, highlighting that all calendar decisions lay with Ecclestone, and it would be him, and only him, that can re-submit a revised schedule which omits or includes Bahrain.
The letter began: “I would remind you that:
“1. The Formula One world championship is regulated by the Concorde Agreement, the provisions of which supersede the provisions of the International Sporting Code (ISC). Under the Concorde Agreement, the responsibility to set the calendar and submit it to the FIA for approval rests solely with the commercial rights holder (art 10 and Schedule 9 of the Concorde Agreement).
“Consequently, it is the responsibility of the commercial rights holder to perform all necessary prior due diligence in order to secure his calendar proposal in order to secure his calendar proposal to the World Motor Sport Council.
“2. The question of the date of the Grand Prix of Bahrain has been on the agenda since 8 March 2011;
“3. It was the representative of the commercial rights holder (who also represents the Formula One Constructors) who proposed the changes to the calendar;
“4. The delegate of the F1 Commission, is which all the Teams are represented, approved the decision that you are now challenging.”
Todt went on to explain that he has requested Ecclestone submit a new calendar, but crucially, only if the 80-year-old deems it necessary. Taking light of Ecclestone’s recent comments, the race will likely be dropped and India reinstated on October 30th.
“The FIA has always had at heart the smooth running of the championship and the interests of the teams, and is always prepared to address any issues, however difficult, in a constructive manner.
“I have listened to your last-minute objections and have asked the commercial rights holder to re-examine his calendar proposal, and if necessary, to resubmit a revised proposal to the World Council.”
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