Williams Calls for Unity Between Teams

The current unity between the group of nine Formula One teams that have decided to go it alone and cut back on testing this year is stronger than ever and has been singled out as the key weapon in their fight to shape the future of the sport.

That is the view of team boss Frank Williams, who has made it clear that there is no hint of wavering among the teams about trying to hammer a better deal out of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone â€" and that they all accept that sticking together can help them in other disputes with FIA president Max Mosley and Ferrari.

"I think what we have realised is the best way of surviving and having our rights upheld is by sticking together," said Williams. "Bernie has always exploited us by trying to split us and splinter us to get better deals."

There appears to be growing evidence that the teams are unhappy about Mosley's governance of the sport. Williams himself is openly critical of Mosley's current running of the sport, amid the backdrop of controversy over F1's rules and Ferrari's decision to go it alone and commit to the sport until the end of 2012.

"The prevailing atmosphere in the sport at the moment stinks," Williams said. "It is very unhealthy. F1 has never been like this before, even back in 1980 when we all fought the war against Max's predecessor, Jean-Marie Balestre. He never tried to interfere so much in the daily life of the teams."

He added: "Max will not leave things alone. If it was Bernie running it, it would be fine. There is zero evidence that Max is ever corrupted by money, but he is corrupted by power. He is in charge and if you stand up to him, he can cause you a lot of damage."

One of the key tests for the unity between the nine non-Ferrari teams will be in keeping the current 30-day testing limit intact â€" especially with suggestions that BAR may reconsider its position if Ferrari does not come on board and agree to join the scheme by the Australian Grand Prix.

When asked whether he believed the accord was solid, Williams said: "It is, yes. We are going to adhere to it rigidly.

"After the conversation that BMW and Honda had with Mr. Mosley concerning the arbitration that was threatened, they suddenly realised the war they were in. And they will do whatever they have to do to stick together with the other teams."

With growing political unrest between the teams and Mosley, Williams indicated that the sport was probably heading for a judgement day soon that would be decisive for F1.

"It has to come to a head," he said. "It has been coming for some time."