Exclusive: Ecclestone Unfazed by Qualifying Criticism

Formula One commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone was unmoved today by criticism of the new qualifying regulations and said they will definitely be introduced at Silverstone next month despite the complaints.

Several team bosses said on Friday that they are not happy with the changes, which appear to have been railroaded through by Ecclestone after the current single-lap format proved unpopular with the fans.

But when questioned over the new proposal's general unpopularity Ecclestone told Atlas F1: "They shouldn't have signed it (if they didn't like it). They all agreed it unanimously so they must be happy."

Ecclestone confirmed it was his idea to change to two 25-minute sessions with aggregate timing and added: "I made the suggestion but everyone agreed to it anyway and it will come in at Silverstone."

The team chiefs spent the early evening on Saturday in a meeting with Ecclestone at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to discuss the introduction of possible regulation changes in 2006 or 2008.

Key cost-cutting changes mooted for 2008 include an alteration to the engine regulations, the introduction of a single tyre manufacturer and the sale of chassis but all need unanimous agreement to be pushed through early.

The deadline for a decision to introduce the changes by 2006 is fast approaching as any proposals must be agreed by the FIA's World Motorsport Council at their meeting on June 30th.

But talks are progressing slowly and Ecclestone said: "We will have to see what the conclusion of the meeting is but it takes time to sort out. There are so many different proposals it is difficult to know which ones are which."