Horner slams manufacturers

Horner: Against relying on manufacturers

Independent teams are the heart and soul of Formula One. They don't tend to come and go as manufacturers do

Christian Horner
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Red Bull chief Christian Horner believes that Toyota pulling out of Formula One has shown that the sport should not rely on the manufacturers.

F1 has lost Honda, BMW and Toyota and also tyre manufacturers Bridgestone in the space of 11 months, with Renault rumoured to be holding a board meeting to discuss their future in the sport.

"It was with great sadness we learned of Toyota's position," Horner told BBC Sport.

"You have to feel for the employees. I think there's not far off a thousand that are going to be facing a difficult future unless they embark on other programmes.

"For Formula One to lose a name, and the biggest car manufacturer in the world in Toyota, is disappointing.

"But it shows Formula One should not be reliant on manufacturers."

With the rapid demise of some of the major manufacturers, it seems the independent teams will take the reins next year, as was the case for many years prior to a manufacturer dominated decade.

The rise in independent outfits means there is still a possibility of 13 teams lining up on the grid for 2010, and Horner believes they have more staying power than the big names.

"Independent teams are the heart and soul of Formula One. They don't tend to come and go as manufacturers do," he said.

"We've still a very healthy grid. Toyota's demise gives a chance to the Sauber team - now privately owned - to take their place.

"So we are set for a really competitive year in 2010. We'll have 13 teams - hopefully. But unfortunately without Toyota, which is a shame and a loss."

Concern

Motor sport's world governing body the FIA have meanwhile expressed "concern" at the announcements made this week by Toyota and Bridgestone and are looking to revisit the recently imposed cost-cutting measures.

Whilst the FIA are satisfied that Bridgestone at least served notice of its intention to leave, they have voiced displeasure with Toyota, particularly since the Japanese giant only recently signed the new Concorde Agreement, binding themselves to F1 until 2012.

The agreement was based on a package of cost cuts designed to explicitly avoid decisions such as those made by Toyota Motor Corp.

The FIA, who could take possible legal action against Toyota, have revealed they will aim to ensure the cost-cut plans in place are working and that F1 will be protected for the future.

"The FIA has repeatedly warned that motor sport cannot outpace the world economic crisis," said the FIA in a statement.

"That is why the competing teams have been asked to cut costs and the entry of independent teams has been encouraged.

"The FIA accepted the cost-reduction measures put forward by the teams on the basis they would ensure a long-term commitment to the championship.

"Toyota's announcement demonstrates the importance of the original cost-reduction measures set out by the FIA.

"The FIA will now work to ensure Toyota's departure is managed in the best interests of the championship and will continue to encourage the F1 teams to undertake the necessary cost-cutting measures for the good of the sport."