Bring Back the Boredom, Says Ferrari Chief

Ferrari would like to 'bring back the boredom' to Formula One after watching rivals win the first three races of the season, according to team boss Luca di Montezemolo.

"The show is there now," he told Italian reporters on a flying visit to Monaco before Sunday's Grand Prix, the seventh round of the Championship.

"At Imola we had a (television) audience share of 60 percent. It shows the interest is there," he said, adding light-heartedly: "Let's say that we did the right thing in not winning to bring back the interest. Now, if you will, our aim is to bring back the boring races."

Ferrari won 15 of last season's 17 races, with Michael Schumacher winning 11 on his way to a fifth World Championship. But television viewing figures dropped off as fans tired of what was dubbed 'Formula Yawn.'

Formula One introduced a raft of rule changes this season to liven up the show and make racing closer, including modifying the scoring system and changing qualifying to a one-lap showdown. The result has shaken up starting grids and left Schumacher, who suffered his worst start to a season, still chasing the title lead after six races.

He is currently two points adrift of McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen despite winning the last three races.

Di Montezemolo said he was delighted with the new F2003-GA, which has yet to be beaten since it was introduced in Spain this month. It has also started its two races to date on pole and clocked the fastest lap.

"The competition has increased. But we are still there," said di Montezemolo, who criticised the new 'parc ferme' regulations prohibiting mechanics from working on cars overnight and also the new 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 points system.

Under the old 10-6-4-3-2-1 system, Schumacher would be leading the Championship.

"I think the scoring is wrong," said di Montezemolo. "Schumacher has won three races but Raikkonen is still leading...according to me, a win in an extreme sport like this should be worth more."