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WRC Acropolis Rally Greece: Neuville and Ogier set for Sunday showdown

WRC
Rally Greece
WRC Acropolis Rally Greece: Neuville and Ogier set for Sunday showdown

Why Antonelli aborted his fastest lap in Austrian GP qualifying

Formula 1
Austrian GP
Why Antonelli aborted his fastest lap in Austrian GP qualifying

Verstappen questions "crazy" delay in double yellow flags as the FIA responds

Formula 1
Austrian GP
Verstappen questions "crazy" delay in double yellow flags as the FIA responds

Russell explains meaning behind Wolff's "just drive" radio message in Austrian GP qualifying

Formula 1
Austrian GP
Russell explains meaning behind Wolff's "just drive" radio message in Austrian GP qualifying

Why factory Aprilia lost to satellite Trackhouse in MotoGP Dutch GP sprint

MotoGP
Dutch GP
Why factory Aprilia lost to satellite Trackhouse in MotoGP Dutch GP sprint

Verstappen on "odd" Austrian GP qualifying crash: "As I turned the wheel I was gone"

Formula 1
Austrian GP
Verstappen on "odd" Austrian GP qualifying crash: "As I turned the wheel I was gone"

Why Russell escaped investigation for yellow flag on Austrian GP pole lap

Formula 1
Austrian GP
Why Russell escaped investigation for yellow flag on Austrian GP pole lap

F1 Austrian GP: Russell avoids investigation to take pole after Verstappen crash

Formula 1
Austrian GP
F1 Austrian GP: Russell avoids investigation to take pole after Verstappen crash

Formula 1 too focused on protecting small teams - Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso believes Formula 1 bosses concern themselves too much with helping the independent teams when the championship should be about survival of the fittest

Fernando Alonso believes Formula 1 bosses concern themselves too much with helping the independent teams when the championship should be about survival of the fittest.

Formula 1 has introduced a host of measures aimed at cutting costs, including slashing on-track testing, reducing the amount of windtunnel time and a cap on staffing numbers.

Now teams are confined to two pre-season tests and two days where 100km is permitted for promotional purposes with a greater emphasis put on CFD.

When asked what he would like from the major regulation change planned for 2017 if he could design the rules, Alonso said: "Bigger engines, more power, more aero, more freedom for the teams to develop and more testing.

"I guess it is something like F1 was 10 years ago maybe.

"I know sometimes it was more expensive, which I doubt because now the technology of simulators and other technology increases the cost.

"If some teams cannot afford to test, it's their problem, it's the nature of the sport.

"Real Madrid can buy some players and other teams cannot. They cannot say sorry for that.

"In F1 there is always the need to protect the small teams and sometimes if they cannot test, they cannot test."

For 2017, the plan is to increase the speed of F1 machinery by five-to-six seconds per lap and for cars to look more aggressive with bigger rear tyres and wider front and rear wings.

While Alonso is in favour of faster cars, he's unsure whether the planned changes will have a positive impact on F1.

"The expectations are to have a fast F1 car because now we have a slow F1 car," he said.

"A fast F1 car will be a better show for people watching the race.

"But to have better races, it's difficult to know what you need.

"If you look at his year, you have maybe four or five boring races where nothing happens and then suddenly two races which are spectacular and nothing has changed.

"It's the same cars and the same teams. Even with the circuit, one year you see a boring race and the next year it's spectacular."

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