BMW backs FIA's F1 aims

On the eve of the FIA's summit with Formula 1's team bosses in Monaco on May 4, where discussions over the radical proposals planned for introduction in 2008 will take place, BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen has said that the German manufacturer supports the FIA's determination to increase the spectacle

Theissen also agrees that the cost of competing at the top level have spiraled upwards, but reiterated that as far as the technical regulations are concerned BMW is prepared for further debate.

FIA president Max Mosley wants to introduce 2.4-litre V8 engines which must last two grand prix weekends as well as standard ECU units, while the governing body wants to outlaw traction control and a variety of other driver aids with the intention of bringing the role of the driver to the fore.

"For me, the paper is made up of two parts," said Theissen. "The first part's aims we support. These are aimed at making the driver become more important by outlawing the electronics. These are then no longer aims but the technical solution."

"Part of the proposals I find very interesting. I am sure that we will be prepared to accept one or two of the proposals and maybe we can even offer a couple more."