Ecclestone slams F1 spectacle

In an interview with ITV, to be screened in Sunday's pre-race build-up for the United States Grand Prix, Ecclestone admits that action needs to be taken.

F1 has come under fire in recent months, thanks to Ferrari winning all but two of the 15 races held in 2002.

"We have to shape up," said Ecclestone. "We haven't got a very good act at the moment."

This year's Belgian GP, he claimed, "was reduced to a straightforward drive to the shops," with Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello cruising to an easy one-two.

Ecclestone pointed to the prevalence of driver aids such as traction control as part of the reason that so many races have been uninspired and often processional.

Furthermore, the former Brabham team owner suggests that grip levels must be reduced through changes to the aerodynamic regulations influencing downforce. He also suggested that reverting to a single rubber supplier is an option in light of the tumbling lack times precipitated by the tyre war between Bridgestone and Michelin.