Sauber Surprised by Introduction of New Rules

Team boss Peter Sauber welcomed the changes made to Formula One for the new season but admited being "surprised" at the way FIA president Max Mosley forced them into the sport.

Mosley introduced a series of cost-cutting measures aimed at helping privateer teams like Sauber to remain on the grid early this year as part of a "zero tolerance" stance by the sport's governing body.

Sauber, speaking at the launch of his team's new C22 car, said the changes were welcomed by the Swiss-based team, but said it was both strange and surprising that the new rules were brought in for 2003.

"All of the teams have had a turbulent period of preparation for the new season because the FIA, led by Max Mosley, left no stone unturned in introducing changes to cut costs and add excitement for the spectators," Sauber said.

"No one could argue with what Mosley was trying to achieve. There are no contradictions and we all hope his fundamental changes will have the desired effect.

"The only thing was it was done in a surprising fashion. We were taken by surprise and it seems quite strange."