The FIA's controversial plans to bring a spec-engine into Formula One in 2010 could have hit a major stumbling block after Ferrari revealed that the move could lead to it considering its future in the sport.

In an effort to bring down escalating costs involved in the sport, FIA president Max Mosley made the surprising announcement prior to the Chinese Grand Prix that motorsports governing body was to open up a tender process to look for a 'a third-party supplier of engines and transmission systems' to be used by all teams in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The FIA has since revealed that interested parties have made contact regarding the proposals, despite the competing teams being largely against the idea – which would remove one of the key competitive elements from the sport.

Indeed, following a meeting of it's board, the Scuderia admitted that it had strong reservations about the spec-engine idea and would 'reserve the right' to consider its future in F1 if the rule was brought into play.

"The Board of Directors examined the proposed changes to the Formula 1 regulations, in the light of the current global economic crisis," a statement issued by Ferrari read.

"Whilst reiterating its wholehearted commitment to a substantial and needed reduction in costs in Formula 1, starting with propulsion, the Ferrari Board of Directors expressed strong concerns regarding plans to standardise engines as it felt that such a move would detract from the entire raison of a sport with which Ferrari has been involved continuously since 1950, a raison d'etre based principally on competition and technological development.

"The Board of Directors expressed the opinion that should these key elements be diminished, it would have to re-evaluate, with its partners the viability of continuing its presence in the sport."

If Ferrari, or any other team for that matter, did elect to leave F1 then it could lead to the very situation Mosley and the FIA were keen to avoid - where the loss of teams could lead to a situation where the grid would 'cease to be credible'.