Ralf favours rule changes

The FIA has announced several rule changes for the 2005 season in a bid to reduce the performance of F1 cars as year on year the machines have got quicker.

While Schumacher doesn't believe the new rules could have prevented his accident, he is certain the sport is moving in the right direction.

"Basically, there is nothing you can do to protect against something like that," Schumacher told the Williams website. "But accidents such as mine at Indianapolis prove that further measures are necessary in Formula 1. Otherwise, the sport will become just too dangerous."

While the team's have just months to develop their cars according to the new regulations, Williams technical director Sam Michael doesn't believe they will pose a problem.

"I think, particularly on the aerodynamic side, there is no real difference if you make your new parts any way," Michael said. "You are still going to spend the same amount of wind tunnel time and analysis time, even if you are doing a completely new car with a similar design."