Times have changed in F1 says Todt

The personal dual between Formula One Management's Bernie Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt is continuing to bubble up in the background.

It hasn't yet bubbled up to create a big explosion for everyone to stand up and take notice of, but that time could be edging closer.

Just days before the season opener in Australia, Bernie, as diplomatic as ever claimed The FIA is a joke when discussing plans about a proposed move to more fuel-efficient engine technologies.

Bernie claimed that [FOM] should write the rules with the teams, while the FIA should make sure they are followed and made a personal jibe at Todt dubbing him as a poor man's Max Mosley.

To read the full previous article on VitalF1.com click this link.

This week, it's time for round 2, ironically just days ahead of the second round of the Formula One World championship race in Malaysia.

Todt wouldn't be drawn on Bernie's comments opting for the more tactile approach: 'It is important not to overreact, I feel with confrontation, unless it is necessary to achieve a result, you lose time. I prefer to achieve results with harmony rather than confrontation.' he is quoted in Autosport Magazine.

Todt however has suggested that he will seek a renegotiation of the FIA's deal with Formula 1 bosses over commercial rights, which was previously signed in 2001 under former FIA president Max Mosley.

Todt believes that circumstances have changed since the 100-year deal with Ecclestone's SLEC Trust was signed.

'I will make sure that everybody realises that since the agreement was signed, times have changed, Technology has changed. Evolution has a price. I must make sure that the funding for the FIA is correct.' Todt told the Financial Times.

Todt's timing of his plans come as negotiations to renew the Concorde Agreement are set to start shortly.

The Concorde Agreement is the commercial contract which governs the Formula One World championship, basically dictating the terms by which the teams compete in races and their share of the television revenues and prize money, which is agreed by the FIA and FOTA (Formula One Teams Association).