Stoddart Supports Driver Aids Ban Delay

Minardi chief Paul Stoddart has enthusiastically backed the decision by Formula One's governing body, the FIA, to delay the proposed ban on driver aids until the beginning of 2004.

The Australian, who has admitted he is finding it hard to find a budget to compete this season, claimed the delay will save his cash-strapped team from more financial struggle this season.

"It is fantastic," Stoddart said. "I am looking forward to having a season with no electronics next year and it has saved us money for this season because any change mid-season means new wiring and lots of cost."

The FIA delayed the ban, due to start at the British Grand Prix in July, because of threats to the new rules from an arbitration case being brought against them by the Williams and McLaren teams.

Driver aids were banned in 1993 but reinstated at the Spanish Grand Prix two years ago after the FIA admitted it was impossible to stop any teams using the systems illegally.

A Formula One source suggested that those problems could force the new deadline for the introduction of the ban further back if the arbitration process becomes a long drawn-out affair.