FIA Proposes Radical New Rules
Formula One team bosses and drivers were called to a meeting in Suzuka on Saturday night in which a controversial new raft of proposals put forward in an e-mail by the FIA was discussed
The suggestions, due to go to the World Council in two weeks and set to be introduced in 2006, are understood to be more radical than expected and cover testing, race organisation and qualifying for next year.
Senior sources in the pitlane revealed there are plans to scrap third cars and t-cars and have pitstops during the race with just 12 crew members working on the car and only one tyre changer.
The qualifying format is also understood be a complicated solution to the knock-out format suggested by Bernie Ecclestone, with fuel level calculations that could cause major confusion.
It is understood that ten cars would be knocked out in the first 30 minutes, with free fuel for the race, then the remainder would have to fuel up for the race and be weighed before qualifying then top up to the original level.
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart said he had seen the proposals and was critical of them.
"He [FIA president Max Mosley] has sent over some proposals," Stoddart said at Suzuka on Saturday. "I just have no comment on it, and a no comment from me means it's a crock of shit."
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