Customer cars could lead to legal action
A number of Formula One teams are looking into the possibility of legal action against Red Bull if the company goes ahead with plans to have its two teams run with identical chassis from next year, high level sources have told autosport.com
Tensions have been increasing behind the scenes amid mounting suggestions that Red Bull will have both Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso race with almost identical Adrian Newey-designed cars from 2007. One will be powered by Ferrari engines and the other by Renault.
With Super Aguri having already been forced to abandon their plans to run customer versions of this year's Honda Racing car, and teams like Williams and Spyker MF1 facing the prospect of Toro Rosso moving up the grid dramatically, it is understood that legal advice has been sought.
It is believed that Williams, Spyker MF1 and Super Aguri have all discussed the situation and are keeping a close eye on Red Bull's plans for next year. McLaren have also been consulted but have so far been reluctant to get involved in the situation.
Team boss Frank Williams has made it clear that he is far from happy with the situation - and thinks customer car rules should be strictly limited to year-old cars.
"The same car with a different badge is out of order and not within the regulations," he told autosport.com. "That is not a legally driven statement, but a personal opinion after having read the regulations with regards to customer cars.
"I suppose what really matters is that if it is a rule, then please observe it. If not, then be ready to take the consequences."
When asked whether legal action, or a protest if Red Bull go ahead with the plans, is possible, Williams said: "I can't comment on that. But I think it is quite wrong.
"There are several teams who don't agree to it, some who don't care and some who want it."
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