FIA President Jean Todt would not be drawn in at Bahrain on the question of possible sanctions against US F1, after the Charlotte-based team failed to deliver on its commitment to field a 2010 Formula 1 program. The sport's governing World Council indicated last week that the question of possible punitive action would be left up to Todt, after it announced that applications would be opened up for a 13th F1 team – and a reserve – for 2011.
"The non-appearance of US F1 is definitely a disappointment," Todt said in a news conference in Bahrain. "The World Council has asked me to review the situation, so we will see what happens."
Todt indicated some tolerance for US F1's difficulties: "When I say that it's very disappointing I know that they have tried hard, made a lot of effort," he added. "As you all know, [FIA technical delegate] Charlie Whiting went there and saw some facilities, and saw some cars under construction. Unfortunately, it was not enough to have two cars at the start of the first grand prix."