Dissenters accepting of FIA changes

Both Sir Frank Williams and McLaren boss Ron Dennis have made it clear that they would have preferred more thought and 'prudence' and both doubt that the new engine rule will ultimately save money.

Dennis also said that he thinks the engine rules come under the auspices of the Concorde Agreement and not the sporting code. In theory, therefore, anything upsetting stability of the engine rules could be challenged legally but McLaren-Mercedes conceded that that is not a route it wishes to follow.

Williams, meanwhile, said: "It was a democratic decision, I voted against it, but we are all pursuing it with the same attitude - let's go and win. It's the only attitude that works."

Williams added, however, that when he was a struggling F1 minnow, there were no rule changes to help lesser-funded teams. "I had nothing in the beginning," he said. "I traded in a manner than wasn't legal for years - I shouldn't say that - but I kept going and the only person who helped me was Bernie.

"One of the most vociferous guys [Eddie Jordan] is a born fighter who will only go when he wants to go, and the other gentleman [Tom Walkinshaw] is the same, and the third [Paul Stoddart] has just arrived so I can make no comment."

More detailed ideas about implementation of the rule changes, and such things as the use of spare cars, may become apparent when FIA president Max Mosley puts in an appearance at the San Marino Grand Prix next month.