By Phil Huff (24/10/2003)
October 24 2003

The rule changes introduced at the beginning of the season certainly extended the championship battle, and mixed up the grid at a few rounds, but did they really work, or would we still be in the same situation under the old rules? British magazine Autosport asked each team principal for their thoughts, including Sauber Petronas chief Peter Sauber.

"We have 10 teams, and they follow their own egotistical goals," said Peter. "That's a fact, and we have to live with it. It's so difficult to find a common solution. If you look at this year, you have to be happy with the solution. It's important that the spectators at the track and the people at home are happy with the system we have, and it's not so easy to achieve that.

"The new points system was good," he continued, "but maybe not for us, because in the last four races Nick Heidfeld finished ninth three times! The changes for next year are not so big, but Saturday qualifying will be more attractive. The promoters have to look for more attractive support races for Sunday. That's important, but that's not our job.

"The rules are okay. It will be interesting next year. The fight between Williams, McLaren, Renault and Ferrari will be even better."

Autosport is available in all good newsagents for £2.80.