Berger: Rule Changes a 'Sensible Compromise'

The bosses of BMW motorsports have praised Formula One's governing body, the FIA, for their decision to come to a compromise on radical new rules after a meeting of the Technical Working Group on Tuesday.

The FIA modified their "zero tolerance" approach after several top teams rose up against the changes and the five manufacturers involved in the proposed breakaway GPWC series threatened to quit the sport.

Plans to disallow spare cars and radio communication between car and driver have been shelved and a ban on telemetry has been delayed for a year while teams will also be allowed to take their cars back to their garages between qualifying and races, although under supervision.

BMW motorsport's boss Gerhard Berger believes the changes are now in line with the company's thinking on Formula One and have achieved a balance between allowing technology and enhancing driver talent.

"In order to reach a sensible solution, the FIA initially made drastic and ambitious demands," said Berger. "That was the pre-condition for proper discussions. Now the discussions have been held and a sensible compromise has been made - with most of the proposals made by the FIA approved upon but in a different time frame.

"Now everyone has enough time to get used to the new regulations."

Teams now have until July to cope with a ban on traction control but BMW, who supply engines to Williams, will still have to produce engines to last for one full race weekend by 2004 and, currently, six races by 2006.

That rule angered GPWC members Renault, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Ferrari as well as BMW, and Renault suggested they would break away from Formula One if this rule was not modified.

It remains in place, however, after the most recent discussions - yet BMW's motorsport director Mario Theissen still appears to be happy with the blueprint for the future.

"The new regulations are acceptable for us," said Theissen. "We are already working on them. They aim to limit costs and increase the attractiveness of the races and BMW supports these aims without reservation.

"After intensive discussions with the teams, the FIA put the far-reaching rule changes in a practicable time frame and this now matches the ambitions of Formula One. The aim is not only in sport terms but also to mark the top in technical terms and this decision provides further leeway for BMW, a pioneer in car electronics, to demonstrate our competency in this field."