Ferrari chief Stefano Domenicali has added his own thoughts to the ongoing debate over the future of the Formula One Teams' Association, saying that the organisation cannot continue if there is "no trust" between the teams.
The FOTA alliance is facing a considerable test of resolve over the next few weeks, with teams still yet to come to an agreement over an extension to the Resource Restriction Agreement.
With talks over the future of the RRA ending without a resolution in Korea, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has admitted that FOTA is at a "crossroads".
And Domenicali has added his own concerns to the future of the team alliance, saying that he can't see FOTA continuing if there is a lack of trust between the teams.
"In terms of the cost cutting [disagreement], we can no longer afford to continue like this," Domenicali was quoted as saying this week by the AFP news agency.
He added: "If there is no trust, there is no need to go forward.
"We know why FOTA was put together so we need to understand whether we still need it. What are the objectives for the future of FOTA, if it has a future?"
Domenicali went into more detail over the debate in comments to the official Ferrari website on Wednesday, saying that although FOTA had been a success, if now faced an uncertain future.
"FOTA has played an incredible role in recent years," Domenicali bellowed.
"Its achievements meant that this sport was able to tackle the global crisis in an efficient manner."
He added: "The impetus that came under [Ferrari president Luca di] Montezemolo's presidency has been carried forward with diligence and dedication by Martin Whitmarsh, who is doing a great job.
"Clearly, at this stage however, we need to understand how to move forward without leading to suspicions and polemics, elements that are always present in such a competitive environment as Formula 1.”
The teams have organised further talks, aimed at settling the RRA disagreement once and for all, for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next month.
The disputes and threat to FOTA's future will likely be good news for Bernie Ecclestone, who admitted last month that he felt the alliance was "unnecessary".
"It is an unnecessary association of people who should put their sole emphasis on getting competitive cars on the grid," he told the official F1 site.
"It's just more of what they don't have to think of. I look after that so there are enough financial resources."
FOTA was formed in 2008 as a way for teams to debate the future of the sport with a united voice.
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