Stoddart Wanted One Engine Rule by 2003

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart has hit out at Formula One rule makers, the FIA, for their decision not to bring cost-cutting changes into the sport until 2004.

Australian Stoddart claims the new rule of one engine per car for each race should have been introduced next year to prevent more cash-strapped teams from struggling. And although he joined Jordan boss Eddie Jordan in saying the moves were "a good start", he added: "It should have happened for 2003, not 2004.

"The engine manufacturers needed more time, but if you tell them in March they need to change for the following March I don't see the problem. It is better than nothing and overall it will make things more exciting so it is good for Formula One - but I think the proposal in its original form was better for the sport."

Stoddart revealed that, despite calls from himself and Jordan, there was not even a vote on whether to introduce the rule next year. He also added that calls for just two engines per car at each 2003 Grand Prix weekend were ignored and admitted that changing to a two-day weekend was "never a starter".

Stoddart believes the latest rule change is only part of the major re-structuring required to ensure Formula One survives, and he has called for team bosses to get together to work on other proposals for the future.

"At the moment we have to digest the reaction to this set of rules," said Stoddart. "A lot of teams don't pay for the engines so there are a lot of other costs that need to be addressed. We as team owners will discuss that. Testing is for a team discussion but we need to look at all the costs in Formula One.

"All the teams are talking to each other. I think we are all responsible enough to understand that if we don't control costs then the costs will control us. If we are all sensible and look at it as a united voice then we will avoid more problems. There is a united concern and that has to be worked on. It is up to us to convert it to a united voice on cutting costs."