Theissen criticises engine rules

During the launch of the new Williams BMW FW27 Theissen, who admitted that BMW had been forced to cancel the development of its P85 engine following the late introduction of regulations which require motors to last two entire race weekends, said that modifications required to make the engines more reliable bore a heavy cost in terms of development time and money.

"In principle we support cost-cutting measures," he said. "But this was a radical and late change to the rules, which has caused significant extra development costs, rather than save money."

He also pointed to a downside for the fans who he said can now expect to see cars running with the engines 'turned down' during practice to ensure reliability.

"Now there is a tactical need to save engine life as far as possible," he said. "We have two options, by running for fewer laps or decreasing engine speed. The first option is not desirable, so during free practice, when the team is undertaking set-up work and selecting tyres, we will limit the maximum engine speed."

Theissen also reckons that there is a loophole in the penalty clause should an engine fail within two races of its installation. "The penalty for an engine fault will be considerably tougher than for any other component," he explained. "Replacing the engine before first qualifying will result in a ten place demotion on the grid, and after qualifying, it is a demotion to the back of the grid.

"Only if the driver fails to finish the race can the engine be replaced without penalty, so the environment will be very demanding in 2005. There is also a question mark in the new rules, as a driver may deliberately fail to finish a race in order to have the advantage of a new engine for the next GP."