FOTA has reacted to the FIA World Council’s tough new measures to force cost cuts in Formula 1. The governing body has rejected FOTA’s proposal of the 12-9-7-5-4-3-2-1 points system in favour of awarding medals for race wins to ensure the driver who wins the most races becomes World Champion.

The FIA has also announced plans for a two-tier system in 2010 where the teams can choose to run to a budget cap of £30m and a more open rule book or choose to spend more and run to the current regulations. Unsurprisingly FOTA has responded coolly to the World Council’s ruling. Chairman Luca Di Montezemolo said:

“With regard to the decisions taken today by the FIA World Council, FOTA would like to express its disappointment and concern at the fact that these have been taken in a unilateral manner. The framework of the regulations as defined by the FIA, to be applicable as from 2010, runs the risk of turning on its head the very essence of Formula 1 and the principles that make it one of the most popular and appealing sports.

“Given the timeframe and the way in which these modifications were decided upon, we feel it is necessary to study closely the new situation and to do everything, especially in these difficult times, to maintain a stable framework for the regulations without continuous upheaval, that can be perplexing and confusing for car manufacturers, teams, the public and sponsors.”

It appears the gloves are off between FOTA and the FIA.