By Jamie Makin
October 25 2004

Much of the talk at this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix has centered around new regulations for 2005/2006 and other measures to control the spiralling costs of operating a successful Formula One team. Led by Minardi owner, Paul Stoddart, the "Cost Savings Inititative" was drafted and presented to teams to sign. The intiative was designed to limit private testing to 10 days per year in exchange for two additional two-hour test sessions on the Fridays of a grand prix weekend. Eight teams quickly signed it but Ferrari and Sauber withheld their approval. Ferrari has long been opposed to a reduction in testing, as they benefit from owning two test tracks - Fiorano and Mugello.

Sauber does a minimal amount of private testing but always supports Ferrari in political decisions concerning the sport. At the last minute Peter Sauber changed his mind and signed the agreement though, citing he did it for the good of the sport as a whole. Ferrari is unlikely to be pleased with his actions as they are now the sole opposition to a very sensible proposal. Anticipating some questions and concern over his actions, Peter Sauber issued the following statement today:

"Everybody is aware that SAUBER PETRONAS has enjoyed an excellent and successful partnership with Ferrari for the past eight seasons and that I personally have a very good relationship with Jean Todt. Therefore you can imagine how difficult it was for me to sign the Cost Savings Initiative that was launched yesterday."

"However, I am convinced that my decision to do so was right. For several years some of my fellow team principals and I have continually requested a drastic reduction in testing as one initiative to lower costs in Formula One."

"It is important for me to clarify that my signature by no means indicates any form of action against Ferrari. I realise that this initiative is only a first step. Realistically, it is not possible to solve all the problems at once. Therefore it is important to approach this difficult challenge step by step. Cost savings are vital for the health and future of Formula One, and they are every bit as important for the major manufacturers as they are for the independent teams, as the withdrawal of Jaguar shows."

Ferrari has not yet issued a reaction to Peter Sauber's decision and statement.

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