英伦广角 2009-05-17 法拉利不满预算帽欲退出F1

Cars win races, not drivers. That’s what they believe of Ferrari. And for the last 60 years here in Maranello, they built the technology that has dominated motor racing¹. Formula One without Ferrari is unthinkable. Think again, says the son of the man who started it all.

“There is other option. This is not, we are not in jail. Formula One is not a jail. We can step out whenever we like.”

But are you serious about pulling out of Formula One if this, if the cap goes ahead?

Yes, for sure.

Formula One’s governing body the FIA is worried about the future of this sport. Critics say Ferrari’s dominance has made Formula One predictable. Meanwhile the economic downturn has forced manufacturers like Honda to give up. The concern is that other teams will follow.

Formula One is an expensive business. Last season, Force India spent an estimated 80 million pounds on a car that failed to win any points. Williams spent an estimated 100 million pounds but still finished eighth. Ferrari won the Constructor's championship but
is thought to have spent an estimated 275 million pounds in the process.  

Little wonder then that Ferrari and the other big teams hate the idea of a 40-million pound cap on research and development.

“No compromise. We don’t want to make any step back. Really, no compromise. We want no budget cap, same rules for everybody, clear rules, and that’s it, there.”

History suggests Ferrari might get its way.

In 1986, Ferrari fell out with the authorities and threatened to leave Formula One to compete in the Indianapolis 500. They even went as far as building the car but it was never used, because in the end the authorities backed out.
Ferrari says it will spend what it wants. The FIA says a budget cap will be imposed, irresistible² force, immovable object. But it isn’t over yet.
 

1 racing   

n.竞赛，赛马；adj.竞赛用的，赛马用的

参考例句：

• I was watching the racing on television last night.昨晚我在电视上看赛马。
• The two racing drivers fenced for a chance to gain the lead.两个赛车手伺机竞相领先。

2 irresistible   

adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的

参考例句：

• The wheel of history rolls forward with an irresistible force.历史车轮滚滚向前，势不可挡。
• She saw an irresistible skirt in the store window.她看见商店的橱窗里有一条叫人着迷的裙子。