The FIA has reacted to the withdrawals of Bridgestone and Toyota in what is in effect the first statement under Jean Todt’s regime...

From the Bleacher Report, regarding Jean Todt's response to manufacturer departures from F1, "His response was predictable and yet another reason Ari Vatanen would have made a better candidate for the teams and the fans but not for FOM or the FIA". If FIA have concerns for the status of F1, they MUST (yes I did mean to yell) end the tyranny of FOM and The Troll. Todt said that they must have unity to move forward, the response of virtually every despot in history, but consider this the time to pin this mess on Todt directly. The change that Vatanen campaigned for perhaps would have limited this exodus. Toyota leaves with the understanding that more of the same is on the way from FIA and FOM. That means there was little reason for them to stay. FOTA has some culpability in this for not acting to restrain costs on their own effectively, but most of it lies with FIA/FOM. This much seems clear. Look for Renault to re-evaluate their position at the end of 2010. Look for FIA to NOT re-evaluate their position. Look for FOM to continue to aggressively pursue The Troll's own financial interests forever. Calling 'em the way I see 'em...

True that Todt's FIA leadership was part of Toyota's decison to quit. They have wanted out all year. They and Renault were the driving force behind the Breakaway. Briatore was a major player,which is why he was treated with such a heavy hand with the convenient "crashgate" scandal. He is also a slimey guy,but it seems that F1 management is that way all the way from Bernie down. Some guys just want to race (Williams)but those guys are disappearing through attrition. We have strong independant teams on the horizon like Brawn,Red Bull,Force India,so there is hope yet. Let's see what happens with the new teams. F1 has to change,but as always there is resistance from the Status Quo.
Ferrari & McLaren are also changing. let's see what the new blood brings.

How can you focus on Renault and Toyota as the driving force behind the breakaway series concept with DiMontezemolo as the poobah of FOTA? Howett was very visible, Briatore typically vocal, but to not include Ferrari is a major omission to me.

True enough,Ferrari was important. But they were not the instigators. The last time it was discussed, it failed because Ferrari was not onboard. This time Ferrari was pissed at losing special treatment,so they sided with the rebels,which gave the movement more strength, but even after all was settled,Howett was still pushing for the split,as was Briatore.

Everyone is Unhappy.
I wanted to see kobayashi race I hope He Gets a seat in another team.

Kamui's difficulty in finding another ride next year is the worst effect of Toyota's departure from my point of view.After that is their engine supply.It won't be easy for him with so little japanese participation in F1 now.He showed alot of talent&spunk;!

Wait until Todt appoints Mosley to the despot of F1 operations position and watch more teams drop out due to the 'current economic situation'. If you can't keep 'em, sue 'em.

I meant to write, publicly appoints.

Bridgestones withdrawl effects the entire series and a long notice was needed. Toyotas withdrawl does not have near teh same effect. Pretty soon the FIA will be asking GP2 teams to bolt on F1 tires to fill the grid!

I don't like the tone of this FIA release at all. It sounds like it was written by Max. All the "I told you so" garbage about cost control isn't helpful, it's water under the bridge unless you're Max and have axes to grind. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come, because there'll be more revolt from FOTA if there is.