FIA intervene to force mediation
21/7/2000 20:31 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) - A last-ditch effort to keep the CAMS V AVESCO battle out of the courtroom will be made in the coming weeks, with both parties agreeing to a pre-litigation mediation session.
The Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA), Motorsport’s global governing body, have intervened in the off-track battle that could potentially split the sport in two, to force the parties into the mediation room.
In a joint CAMS/AVESCO statement released late today, both parties have said they will respect the wishes of the FIA and enter into “without prejudice” mediation discussions.
The stand-off began last month after Australia’s Motorsport governing body, the Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS), and it’s commercial arm, the Australian Motorsport Commission (AMSC), launched a suit against V8 governing body AVESCO.
CAMS have said the licensing arrangements for AVESCO’s management of the Supercar formula are the impetus behind the action, however many see it as fight for ultimate control of Australia’s runaway Motorsport success. AVESCO have launched several counter-claims in response.
Preliminary hearings for the case will take place in the Victorian Supreme Court on July 28, however it is hoped the mediation sessions could resolve the matters before a likely lengthy legal battle.
“The parties have confirmed, that whilst reserving their respective positions and rights in respect of the litigation, they are very mindful that the international governing body for Motorsport, the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA) has proposed that they meet urgently to seek to resolve the issues between them by mediation rather than litigation,” the joint statement said.
The involved parties will arrange a convenient time over the next few weeks to meet and begin formal mediation proceedings. The FIA will “monitor” the process throughout.
No further comment will be made on either side “in the interest of the mediation process.”
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