Watershed meeting under way

The proposals under discussion include:

Driver swaps
Drivers would no longer be contracted to individual teams but would be picked instead by the FIA. Each would drive for a different team in each of the first 10 races of the world championship, with teams to be decided by lot. After 10 races, the drivers could choose - with the championship leader having first pick - which seven teams they finished the season with.

Qualifying
Qualifying to be aggregated over four half-hour sessions, two on Friday and two on Saturday, instead of one hour on Saturday as at present.

Tyres
Tyre companies, currently Bridgestone and Michelin, to be allowed to supply different compounds to each team - allowing them to have tailor-made tyres to fit their individual needs rather than one kind fitting all.

Ballast handicaps
One kilo to be added to a driver's car for every point won. This proposal would be an alternative to driver swaps, since the two could not go together.

Testing limits
No testing on any circuit where a Formula 1 championship event is held. No more than 12 days of private testing allowed during the season.

Engines
The FIA already plans to limit teams to a single engine per car per weekend from 2004. This could be brought forward to 2003, with one engine to last four races in 2004.

Long-life components
Gearbox assemblies and key components to last a specified number of races.

Aerodynamics
Two alternative sets of Aerodynamics configurations to be approved by each team before the start of the season. They can then be changed once during the season, after the halfway point.

Standardised parts
Standard electronic systems to be used, particularly engine control units, brakes and fixed ballast.