Stoddart Warns Against Knee-Jerk Reactions

Minardi team boss Paul Stoddart has pleaded with the sport's leaders to avoid a knee-jerk reaction to Ferrari's dominance after hearing the sport supremo Bernie Ecclestone's latest proposals for a handicapping system.

Stoddart, who runs the cash-strapped Minardi outfit, is not convinced by Ecclestone's ideas and he believes their introduction would be an over-reaction to Ferrari's continued display of perfection.

"We need to do something but the worst thing is to have a knee-jerk reaction," said Stoddart. "We have to react to people saying the sport is boring and the worst thing we could do is do nothing.

"I don't think Formula One can go through another year like it has. It needs to lift its game. But there are all kinds of ideas and everyone in a responsible position is taking this seriously. That can only be positive for Formula One."

Stoddart believes the FIA and Ecclestone should go for cost-reducing solutions rather than using ballast, and should also concentrate on ways to force Ferrari's drivers Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher to race.

He also suggested bringing in the already proposed one engine rule one year early, at the start of 2003, and believes that expensive items such as electronics, tyres and fuel should be put up for tender to a company who could supply them free of charge to all teams.

"I don't necessarily think that ballast would be a good thing," said Stoddart. "One kilogram per point would certainly liven the Championship up a bit but there are ten other equally interesting ways.

"We will have a serious meeting at the end of October and I am sure that we will get something out of it. Everyone has a different view and all issues need discussing."