Teams in race against time on crash tests

Max Mosley, president of the sport's FIA governing body, has refused to name the four teams involved, but today's Sun newspaper reports that the UK-based Benetton and British American Racing are two of the teams involved.

All new F1 cars have to pass a series of FIA-approved impact tests before they are allowed to take part in the first Grand Prix of the season, in Australia on March 4. But with most teams flying their cars out to Melbourne at the end of this week, the window for modifications and re-tests is small.

For 2001, the side-impact and roll-over tests have been made even more stringent, but Mosley says that some teams have initially compromised strength for lightweight. It is, however, regarded as normal practice within the sport for teams to use the crash test to 'fine-tune' impact structures to comply at the minimum weight possible

"There have been a lot of problems for some teams passing the crash test," he said. "The biggest one has been the side-impact test, but some teams have failed more than that. The trouble is the teams have been attempting to make their cars lighter and that has compromised the strength of the machines. I believe the teams will have sorted it in time."

Mosley warned that without passing the test, teams will not be allowed to practice and race in Melbourne.

"It's a serious threat," he said, "Because if we don't stick by the rules, then the teams who have complied will wonder why they bothered."

The Sun claims that Benetton failed the side-impact test, while BAR failed to pass the front impact test on its nosecone. After failing its initial impact tests, Ferrari is expected to get the green light with a re-submitted chassis today.