FIA delays driver aids ban until 2004

An FIA statement explained that it was reluctant to commit to a substantial investment in devices to police the ban on driver aids until the arbitration proceedings undertaken by Williams owner Frank Williams and McLaren boss Ron Dennis have been resolved, because of fears that the FIA could lose the case and be forced to renege on the rule changes.

The statement reads: "The full enforcement of the long-established ban on in-car driver aids will be delayed until the first race of the 2004 season. If current uncertainties have not been resolved before the deadline for ordering the technical devices [to police the ban] for 2004, competing teams will be required to demonstrate the absence of driver aids to the satisfaction of the stewards at each event of 2004 and subsequent Championships."

FIA President Max Mosley announced back in January that driver aids would be outlawed from the start of this season, although this date was later delayed until the British Grand Prix to allow F1 teams time to prepare for the ban.