Leave things as they are, say team bosses

Despite changes to the aerodynamic regulations for 2001, the extra grip afforded by the tyre war between Michelin and Bridgestone meant that lap times at the season-opening Australian GP were almost four seconds faster than last year.

After the Melbourne race, FIA President Max Mosley said that speeds would be monitored in Malaysia and Brazil before a decision would be made as to whether further action should be taken to slow the cars down. Lap times at the Sepang circuit were only two seconds faster than in 2000 and Michael Schumcaher's pole time at Interlagos was only 0.3s up on last year.

"We're not particularly surprised that the speeds are close at a circuit like this," said McLaren boss Ron Dennis. "I hope that the differential is minimal enough to leave the regulations alone. A race like Monaco will have a significant improvement, and that's not because of aerodynamics, but grip. But by and large the gaps won't be too big."

Sir Frank Williams echoed Dennis' sentiments and believes the pace of F1 cars has yet to exceed an acceptable limit.

"I don't think we've reached a point yet where the cars are too quick for the drivers," said Williams. "In Champ Cars they have 950hp and no run-off areas on ovals. I'd be astonished if the FIA decides to change the cars again after this race."