At a recent meeting the FIA and teams discussed the issue these arrest warrants and in a letter, sent to the presidents of the sporting bodies in European countries hosting races, expressed their concern

The teams indicated that they were only prepared to race in countries whose governments gave a legally enforceable undertaking not to use the procedure in connection with Formula One race incidents.

The letter said: "The teams say they require the above undertaking if they are to race within the jurisdiction of any of these three countries." The three countries mentioned are Belgium, Britain, and Spain. Eight EU member states have implemented the warrant - Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Finland, Spain, Sweden, Portugal and Britain. The seven remaining EU members, including race hosts Germany, France and Italy, will have the warrants implemented by March.

"In view of the potential effect of this development on the Formula One world championship, would you please take this matter up urgently with the relevant authorities in your country and inform the race promoter," the letter concluded.

The warrant, introduced on January 1, replaces national extradition deals between EU member states with a quicker procedure. Under the EAW it is possible for a local magistrate to use the it to order the arrest and extradition of team personnel from their home country.

As a result WilliamsF1 Technical Director Patrick Head and team designer Adrian Newey, now technical director at McLaren, were told last year that they must face a new appeal court hearing into Senna's accident. Previously the teams have indicated that they may not race in Italy if they risk conviction under Italian law for race accidents.

BAR-Honda team head David Richards indicated his support for the moves by the FIA. He said: "We are fully supportive of the stance of the FIA and its president Max Mosley in this regard."

Sir Frank Williams also showed his support. He said: "Williams supports the FIA in its energies to represent Formula One's interests in this matter. I share significant concerns with the wider Formula One community that the best intentions of the EAW presents a potential risk for teams contesting Grands Prix in EU signatory states."