THE FIA are to revisit the recently imposed cost-cutting measures in the wake of Toyota’s departure from Formula One yesterday.

Motor sport’s world governing body has, via a statement, expressed “concern” at the announcements made this week by both Toyota and Bridgestone.

Yet while the FIA are satisfied tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has at least served notice of its intention to leave, as they will not be withdrawing from F1 until after next season, they have made it clear they are far from happy with Toyota.

Citing financial pressures, the world’s largest car manufacturer yesterday confirmed they are pulling out of the sport with immediate effect.

That is despite signing up to the new Concorde Agreement over the summer, so binding themselves to F1 through to 2012, based on a package of cost cuts designed to explicitly avoid decisions such as those made by Toyota Motor Corp.

Former FIA president Max Mosley initially called for the teams to work under a voluntary £40m cost cap, yet that was vehemently imposed and almost led to a breakaway series.

Instead, the teams agreed to reduce spending “back to early nineties levels within two years” were Mosley’s words after a breakthrough meeting at the end of June.

Yet in an almost “we told you so” manner, the FIA have expressed a desire to ensure the cost-cut plans that are in place are working and F1 will be safeguarded for the future.

Toyota Motorsport boss John Howett was vice-chairman of Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) and a leading campaigner against the cost cap, adding to the lack of understanding behind Toyota’s announcement.

There is now great desire within FOTA to see to it that next season is not further affected, and the new teams scheduled to compete – US F1, Campos, Manor and Lotus – make it on to what will hopefully be a 13-team grid for the season opener in Bahrain in mid-March Toyota depart after eight years and 140 grands prix without once climbing onto the top step of the podium, despite operating on an annual budget of £300m.

The only positive is their exit appears to have opened the door for Sauber to take up the 13th grid slot.