Dupasquier & Richards support FIA review

By Andrew Hooper
April 24 2004

   
Dupasquier & Richards support changes
 
Yesterdays announcement from the FIA regarding proposed ruile changes commencing in 2008 has seen much discussion already. FIA president Max Mosley has plans to change things such as change the current engine format engine size, remove driver aids, and the introduction of a a single tyre manufacturer.

The first of what should be many meetings to discuss such ideas is set for May, and at this time the teams will have their chance to formally respond.

One company that would be affected by such plans is that of Michelin. Michelin Motorsport head Pierre Dupasquier has initially backed plans for these  changes.

"For Formula One to exist they have to think about changes," said Dupasquier. "At the moment Formula One doesn't exist anymore - it is just ridiculous but we have to accept what Ferrari are doing.

"We will think about the one tyre Formula One, but it is not the case of a decision today. We have until 2008 so a long way to go but we will contribute to the discussions.

"The drivers need a balanced machine to be able to go to the limit and fight with another car. The president of the FIA is concerned about safety and, oh my goodness, they are going too fast now.

"It is his responsibility to decide if it is not safe anymore. Then he has tools available - the engine, chassis, aerodynamics and tyres. He can work on it but must be careful not to make a shitty, undriveable machine."

Another person to acknowledge that Formula One needs a review was BAR's David Richards. But he also warned FIA president Max Mosley of the fact that negotiations over such plans will be lengthy.

Richards said: "I'm sure this will just be the first position in a series of debates over the next few weeks prior to the next World Council meeting in June. It is about time for a general review of Formula One.

"It is about time the teams took the responsibility of doing this themselves. It is encouraging and there are some interesting and challenging ideas. Some of them are too radical for me but then some of them maybe not so."

 
 
Message Board
 
HP Formula One 2004
Click image for HP F1 Site

Bookmark or share this story with: