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Formula 3 rule changes up for debate

The British Formula 3 teams could be heading for a period of adjustment after the proposed introduction of new regulations for national championships next year

The sport's governing body, the FIA has proposed changes to the rules which specify that all teams must use the same ECU engine management units, data loggers and electronic dash displays, manufactured by German company Bosch electronics.

The changes are intended to stop the use of traction control and standardise the electronics used by the entire grid. The teams accept the use of the ECUs to stop traction control but are opposed to the data loggers and dashes as they are more expensive and less sophisticated than those used currently.

The FIA confirmed the change to the new rules last week but in response to objections from the teams it has postponed the introduction of the dataloggers and dashes until 2002.

"The teams were worried about having already spent money on new equipment, but if they are the rules, they are the rules," said John Booth, boss of leading British F3 team Manor Motorsport. "I think it's good to standardise the equipment to keep costs down, as long as the teams are given enough notice."

The FIA plan to introduce the changes in all F3 championships across Europe, which is important to achieve in order to avoid inconsistencies at international races such as Pau and Macau.

In brief:
Four British F3 teams will be competing in the fifth round of the French F3 Championship at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit this weekend: Stewart Racing, Carlin Motorsport, Rowan Racing and Promatecme.
Nicolas Kiesa's maiden F3 win at Donington last weekend was the first for the new Speiss-Opel engine at only the fourth attempt. Kiesa dedicated his to win fellow countryman Jason Watt.

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