New rules announced for Formula One
Monday, 6 September 2004 16:28World governing body FIA has given Formula One teams notice of rules changes they plan from next season onwards.
FIA are entitled to enforced a package of rules to slow cars down for next season without prior approval of team bosses and they have put forward three alternative sets of regulations.
Team bosses still have time to formulate their own plan, which they can put to
FIA for approval, although those discussions have made little progress.
All three of FIA's solutions involve various aerodynamic restrictions, with only one option including the controversial plan to cut engine size from three-litre V10 to 2.4l V8.
Formula One's technical working group, which deals with such matters on behalf of teams, will meet to discuss which option to back.
FIA's technical delegate Charlie Whiting has also asked teams to consider new regulations designed to curb the recent raft of punctures.
Several tyres have exploded in recent races as a result of cars running over shards of carbon fibre, and Whiting wants a restriction of materials likely to leave sharp debris.
He has also proposed a reduction in the weight limit to try and decrease the amount of ballast used by teams, which can add to the danger of a high-speed accident.
FIA president Max Mosley will explain the future of Formula One's rules at a press conference on Friday at Monza, the venue of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.
Filed by Eilish Barry
