Honda call for 2008 rules rethink

The sport's governing body, the FIA, unveiled last year plans for a low-cost Formula One from 2008, when the current Concorde Agreement expires.

Among the regulations proposed are the provision to ban expensive technologies, the introduction of the Centreline Downwash Generating (CDG) Wing, rev-limited engines, the introduction of standard ECUs and wider slick tyres.

The FIA also wants a single tyre supplier, engines that last for three races, four-race transmissions and weight penalties for the early replacements of engine and gearboxes.

But Wada said some members of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association are unhappy with the proposed rules and claims changes will have to be made if the breakaway threat is to go away.

"I think we see some signs of getting close and getting some compromise with some good discussions going on but after seeing the 2008 regulations proposals from the FIA, many people are upset with it and not happy with that," Wada told reporters in Barcelona.

"So we need to talk with the FIA about the future regulations. I don't know what you guys think about whether it is good for F1 or not."

Honda are one of five carmakers threatening to create their own championship from the beginning of 2008 unless their demands are met.

GPMA members want a fair share of Formula One's revenues, but Wada pointed out that technology, rather than money, is their biggest concern.

"I think commercial is not quite a big issue for us," added Wada. "We are not racing for commercial reasons, so money allocation and so forth we can compromise on and that is not our priority.

"The reason we are racing is for technical things so if the regulations go like the 2008 proposals then there is not much area to work with, like a common ECU, three-race gearbox and so forth. Where is the technology?"