Teams cautious about proposed F1 budget cap

SAKHIR, Bahrain — Formula One team bosses are cautioning against the introduction of a budget cap for 2010, saying costs need to be cut gradually.

Motor sport’s governing body, the FIA, has proposed a budget limit of $42 million per year, excluding driver salaries and marketing costs. The issue was to be discussed at the World Motor Sports Council on April 29.

But teams say Friday more discussion is needed within the Formula One Teams Association before they give a response. Renault team principal Flavio Briatore favors targeting 2011 or 2012 for a budget cap.

The teams agreed on the need to cut costs, but expect to tell the FIA a 2010 budget cap is impractical because development is already in place for next season.