Theissen: F1 set for less 'political' year

That is the view of BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen, who thinks that the sport's future is looking far more settled following major progress over recent months between the governing body and the car makers.

This included breakthrough talks between FIA president Max Mosley and Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) chairman Burkhard Goeschel in Munich in November that resulted in a framework for the future.

"I expect certainly a quieter year," said Theissen, referring back to the heated arguments last season over engine homologation and other cost-cutting measures. "I think we are on a very constructive path now, discussing the future of the sport.

"I see the chance, after all this meddling in the past, and that was not just 2006 it was in the past years too, to jointly create something that is really beneficial to all the stakeholders in the sport."

Formula One team principals are meeting today to continue discussions about the long-term future of the sport, in a bid to make it more fan-friendly but also more relevant for manufacturers.

When asked whether he felt the car makers were satisfied with the outcome of rule changes agreed over recent years, Theissen said: "I would not say we are satisfied, but we appreciate the situation of being more strongly involved in all the discussions and developments than we used to be years ago.

"As a manufacturer you expect something from the sport, which is probably different to what the sponsor expect or the commercial rights holder expects.

"We are in F1 to demonstrate the car competency of the brand which certainly is as much about technology, so we would love to have more freedom on the regulation side.

"On the other hand, we know the sport can only be successful if there is a competitive field. So there is a middle way between a free technology race and frozen technology, and I think there is a good compromise in place now."