Formula One Teams Association, The Teams' United Front

When And Why The FOTA Was Founded:

The Formula One Teams Association was founded in 2008 in order for all of the F1 teams to have a united platform with which to negotiate with the International Automobile Federation and the F1 promoter, Bernie Ecclestone.

Who The Members Of The FOTA Are:

At the time of its founding FOTA comprised the 10 teams that made up the series: Ferrari, McLaren Mercedes, BMW Sauber, Renault, Toyota, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Williams, Honda and Force India.

Areas In Which The FOTA Represents The Teams:

FOTA works primarily with the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone in setting out the technical and sporting rules and regulations of the future and in negotiating the share of the series' commercial rights earnings.

What The FOTA Has Done:

In December 2008 the FOTA came to broad agreement with the FIA over the future direction of the sport with a sweeping new outline of cost cutting measures to face the challenge of the economic crisis of the time. These included:

An immediate end to car testing during the racing season, outside Grands Prix.

Longer engine life.

A future end to refueling during races.

Low cost engines to be provided by manufacturer teams to independent teams.

An increase in the number and kind of standardized parts to be shared amongst teams.

Who Is The Chairman Of The FOTA:

Luca di Montezemolo, the president of Ferrari, acts as the FOTA chairman. In this capacity he is the main negotiator in meetings with the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone.