Ecclestone confident of rule changes

F1's commercial chief arrived at the meeting at a Knightsbridge hotel on foot and told Autosport-Atlas that he was upbeat that the meeting would be productive.

"We're going to sort out qualifying for next year and some regulations beyond that," he said.

When asked whether he was hopeful that the changes to qualifying would get the necessary votes, he said: "Yes. We've got to have a change."

The meeting of the F1 Commission appears to be well attended - with team bosses being joined by race promoters and representatives of the sport's tyre and engine manufacturers. Former team boss Eddie Jordan was interestingly among those present.

And although there have been rumours of some teams trying to use the meeting as a means of standing up against FIA president Max Mosley, two team principals made it clear they were heading into the meeting in a positive frame of mind.

BAR boss Nick Fry told Autosport-Atlas: "I'm sure it will be productive. We, I'm hoping it will be productive."

Red Bull Racing's sporting director Christian Horner added: "I can't speak for the other team bosses, but I think it should be an interesting meeting with some interesting conclusions. I'm positive."

As well as changes to next year's qualifying format and the possible return of tyre changes, team bosses will also discuss regulations changes for 2008 - including the FIA's idea of a Centreline Downwash Generating wing.

Autosport-Atlas will bring you the full news from the meeting as it happens.