The sport's governing body, the FIA, has announced sweeping changes to
Formula 1 to ensure it is more affordable to contest. The plans
include impounding cars between the end of qualifying and the start of
the race, plus a ban on driver aids in 2003.
FIA president Max Mosley, F1 commercial rights holder Bernie
Ecclestone and all 10 team bosses attended the summit at Heathrow's
Hilton hotel. Mosley said: "Once the teams got over their initial
shock they came round to the ideas."
In a strongly-worded statement, the FIA pointed out that the teams had
rejected its cost-cutting proposals over the last 12 months, despite
the loss of two F1 teams in Prost and Arrows. Instead, it has decided
to "rigorously apply existing rules" for the 2003 season.
They are as follows.
Placing cars in parc ferme between final qualifying and the race
(teams will be unable to work on them, except under strict
supervision)
Elimination of traction control, launch control and fully automatic
gearboxes (possible derogation for all or part of 2003, to be followed
by absolute enforcement in 2004, if necessary by standard ECUs)
Elimination of pit to car and car to pit telemetry
Elimination of all radio comminucation between car and driver
Allowing only two cars per team (ie: no spare cars)
The FIA has also allowed the use of common components in 2003, so
teams can use parts built by another outfit.
Formula 1 team boss Eddie Jordan, whose squad is understood to be
struggling to raise a substantial budget for 2003, declared the
meeting: "The most positive between team bosses ever. This is a great
day for us."