Formula One's governing body is saying BMW's shock exit from the sport could have been avoided had some team bosses been less resistant to cost-cutting regulations.
BMW have announced they'll be pulling out as a team and engine supplier at the end of this year just as the teams, the FIA and formula one's commercial rights holders were preparing to sign a new 'Concorde' agreement binding them to the sport until at least the end of 2012.
The FIA expressed regret but no surprise at the Munich-based carmaker's decision.