Stoddart critical of V8 introduction

With the FIA determined to make Grand Prix racing cheaper for the teams, there have been moves to try and stop costs in the sport spiralling out of control.

But Stoddart believes the decision to replace V10 engines with V8 power-units has only served to drive up costs rather than bring them down.

"A lot of people are saying we should not have had V8 engines and should have stuck with V10s," he said on the main stage at the Autosport International show.

"The history of the V8 engine is that in May of 2004 there was a meeting with Bernie (Ecclestone), the FIA and the teams where the teams asked to save money and the V8 engine was suggested.

"But did we save money? I don't think you will find anyone who would say yes. You have to argue that if it was done for costs then it was a complete failure.

"You have got more costs and we have yet to find out what they sound like. The V10 was synonymous with F1 over the years and it had its own individual sound."

Talking about the other major rule change this year, with the return of tyre changes in pitstops, Stoddart believes that it will have a major impact on the outcome of the World Championship.

"In terms of tyres we have gone through so many changes - pitstops, no pitstops, a single tyre for a race and now no single tyre.

"I think the tyre issue could play a big important role in how the championship goes this year, and one of the reasons Ferrari were off the pace last year was that Bridgestone were not up to speed with their single-race tyre."