Briatore steers clear of customer cars row

Although the ongoing controversy was discussed at length in last week's team principals' meeting, Briatore has said that he does not want to get dragged into the matter - especially because he thinks there is an easy way of resolving the situation.

"I believe that this matter is between these teams that have been complaining together," said Briatore, in reference to Spyker and Williams who are most unhappy about the customer car situation. "It is quite ridiculous.

"If somebody believes something is wrong then they should go there and protest and finish it. I don't want to be involved in all these situations.

"The people know exactly what the rules are in terms of constructors or not, and if the car does not apply to the regulations then you protest."

While there is controversy about the 2007 situation, there have also been increasing criticisms about the move to customer cars in 2008 - with leading figures including Pat Symonds and Mario Theissen questioning whether it will be good for F1.

Briatore is less committal about that situation, especially because the rules have now been set in stone.

"For me it is the rule, it is done, everybody knows," he said. "If somebody is in the 2008 championship then it is because they have accepted the rule."