Analysis: Changes Could Take F1 Back to the Future

More overtaking, more teams, lower costs and, crucially, more excitement.

Formula One was offered all of this by the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) on Friday with the most far-reaching proposals for change in the sport's history.

There is bound to be furious debate before 2008, the target date for the introduction of a new world where a driver's innate talent should matter more than the electronic gizmos in his car.

Some FIA proposals, including one limiting Formula One to a sole tyre supplier, will face fierce opposition. Turning the clock back to the days of manual gearshifts and minimal tweaking of cars is also controversial to say the least.

Some might see a hint of desperation in the timing of the announcement. Ferrari's Michael Schumacher is more dominant than ever, chasing his fourth victory in four races in his quest for an unprecedented seventh title.

Ferrari processions and Schumacher victories delight many fans, particularly in Germany and Italy, but there is a real fear that television viewers will switch off in their millions.

However, for once, Schumacher does not come into the equation. The German will be 39 and likely to be enjoying his retirement by the time change affects the grid.

"I think with the best will in the world we wouldn't see any of these things in before 2006, by which time Schumacher and Ferrari domination this year or next year start to be a bit academic," said FIA president Max Mosley.

Blank Sheet

Mosley pushed through a raft of changes at the start of 2003 following a season in which Ferrari won all but two of the races. He said the new proposals were more significant.

This time the FIA had a blank sheet of paper because the existing Concorde Agreement between teams, the FIA and Formula One's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone runs out at the end of 2007.

"What I'm hoping is that some of the teams will come with further radical ideas, particularly in trying to think of ways to eliminate this enormous expenditure on wind tunnels and endless aerodynamic research for very small gains," said Mosley.

"In 2008 we can do whatever we want, provided the world council vote in favour. We can bring that in on January 1, 2008, without asking anybody. It's possible that some or all of the ideas could come in sooner but that would depend on the agreement of the existing teams."

Some, such as Ferrari and Toyota, have estimated budgets in excess of $300 million and even the biggest car firms are starting to have cold feet about the costs.

"Several of the major manufacturers are starting to look at what they are spending on engines and wondering whether they are getting value for money. Teams are finding it difficult to get enough sponsorship to meet their costs," said Mosley.

"There is a risk that we will start to see big problems if we don't do something."

Major Savings

Mosley said the major costs savings would come from getting rid of most of the testing, no longer as necessary if all teams are on similar tyres, and from allowing teams to share components and chassis.

The chief benefit for fans would be closer racing, with the reduction in engine capacity undetectable.

"Cars would be inherently more capable of overtaking and secondly the use of manual gearboxes and elimination of electronic aids would make a driver error more probable," he said.

"And of course a driver error is one of the key elements in overtaking."