Webber Calls for Proper Policing of Technology

Jaguar driver Mark Webber has welcomed the ban on driver-aid technology in Formula One starting this season and hopes it can be policed properly.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced sweeping changes earlier this month, including several restrictions on the use of technology to help drivers, to cut costs and liven up racing.

"I hope they can police it - that's the thing that I'm concerned about," Australian Webber told reporters in a teleconference today. "Now if we get all the people in place to go against all the boffins that we've got in the pitlane that would be useful.

"Because there's some very, very smart people out there and there's so many different ways we can go about what the driver does in terms of throttle application to what actually goes to the rear wheels. It's a very technical process.

"It's a big game and big business and people were doing it (cheating) in the past because there's a benefit in it. They have got to ban these codes and all this software."

Webber, 26, has switched to Jaguar after a promising rookie season with Minardi, including a fifth place finish at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in March 2002.

The Australian said he welcomed the new single-lap qualifying system and a more competitive car but was cautious in predicting where he would finish at his home Grand Prix, which will again open the new F1 season on March 9.

"There is a clear difference still between the big three teams - Ferrari, Williams and McLaren - so for me to win the race would be very, very difficult," Webber said. "I'm fairly confident that I can do a good job - and you never say never - and it is nice to compete in front of your home crowd."