Theissen attacks new regs again

Theissen told the BMW Williams team's official website that the manufacturer was "anything but happy" with the new rules which call for a switch to 2.4-litre V8 engines from the current long-life 3-litre V10s.

"A switch from ten to eight cylinders will result in the development of a completely new engine concept," he said. "At the same time, the teams will have to develop new chassis. From our point of view, this will lead to a cost escalation rather than a cost reduction, as each new concept causes a cost-push.

"Therefore, we are anything but delighted with this measure. But we support the test reduction, as this will be vital when it comes to reducing the costs.

"Formula 1 is definitely moving in the right direction now. Currently, we are covering eighty percent of our mileage while testing and only 20 percent during the race weekends. This means that 80 percent of the on-track action takes place 'behind the curtains'. We therefore, support a strict test reduction, in particular during the season. And we also support all measures that will spice up the race weekends. In response to this we are ready to contest more races per season."

Despite his concerns for 2006, Theissen is however confident that the Williams team can build on its end of season high when Juan Pablo Montoya won the final grand prix of the season in Brazil.

"Over the course of the 2004 season, we have been able to fight back and improve the car so much that we could take a second place and even a victory in the final rounds," he said. "This proves the substance and the strength of the team and underlines that it never lost its motivation.

"Both we and WilliamsF1 have started to develop the car and engine for the 2005 season very early on. The development is making good progress, and I'm confident that our new package will enable us to make a major step forward."