Sauber speaks out over numbers

The confusion arose following the release of the 2002 entry list earlier this week showing teams with same numbers as this season.

Although the allocation of garages along the pit lane will be given according to constructors' standings, from next year onwards only the team winning the drivers' title will change to the number one.

The ruling is thought to be an attempt to reduce confusion and also stop the teams from having to change promotional material. However, Sauber is annoyed at having to stick with 16 and 17 for next year, rather than switching to seven and eight.

"I don't know what to say, I don't know why," he said. "A team fights a whole year to achieve a better ranking on paper, to advance further in the pit lane and to get lower car numbers. And then, for the first time in years, everything remains unchanged.

"Now, even Arrows is ahead of us! I want to know as soon as possible from [president of motorsport's governing body, the FIA] Max Mosley and [F1 boss] Bernie Ecclestone what this drama is all about."