Indy teams want aero kits postponed

Under the 2012 regulations, teams and constructors can fit their own aero kits to a Dallara-built chassis, and engine choice will also be opened up, with Honda, Chevrolet and Lotus already committed to building engines.

Though the new rules and engines will still be introduced next year, team owners voted in Brazil last weekend to push for the postponement of the introduction of the aero kits until 2013, citing the costs involved. They voted 15-0 against alternative bodywork for 2012, with AJ Foyt abstaining.

Series chief Randy Bernard confirmed the owners' request during an interview on American sports channel Versus last night.

"We had a great team owners meeting in Brazil concerning the 2012 car and made some great developments," Bernard said. "One of those developments that came out of that though was the team owners voted to not have an aero kit until 2013. And they asked INDYCAR not to have the aero kit until 2013.

"Having different looking cars is something that has been true and blue to IndyCar. The ICONIC Committee [which devised the new rules] has told us that is important, but we also have to listen and understand the concerns of our team owners as well. The biggest thing about our team owners is that we are hitting them with a lot of capital outlay next year. We want to make sure that we are listening to everyone right now."

Although the final decision is in the hands of the series organisers, Bernard said he did not want to exclude the team owners from the process.

"I've heard from the team owners, which is very important to me," he said. "This isn't CART or Champ Car, but it is important that we are a team working together. I want to make sure they are being heard, and I respect their opinion. At the same time, we have to do what's in the best interest of INDYCAR.

"INDYCAR will make the final decision. We will look at it together as an executive team and I may bring the ICONIC Committee back into this. I heard the team owners loud and clear. It's very important for them to wait until 2013."