Williams fears for lack of sponsor space

Formula One teams will see a drastic reduction to their downforce levels in 2009, thanks to the introduction of new rules that will mean aerodynamic components will be smaller.

The move is aimed at controlling speeds and at somewhat reducing the importance of aero pieces in order to improve the chances of overtaking.

Williams reckons the changes will be interesting from a technical point of view, but the veteran team boss reckons teams will take a hit financially due to the smaller space for sponsorship deals on the cars.

"It will be interesting to see what comes out of it," Williams was quoted as saying by Autosprint magazine. "But there's something I don't like about these regulations, and I must make it clear.

"I think the decision to reduce the aerodynamic areas was taken by Max Mosley, with the aim of slowing down the cars. And then the teams' engineers also worked on it.

"But as a marketing man I must say one thing: the rear wing is 25% smaller. The bargeboards will also change, as will the deflectors at the side of the chassis. In general, this means a lot less space. And this space, hell, is worth millions in sponsorship.

"If it had been five or ten per cent less surface... but 25 means, for whoever puts its name on the rear wing, that with the same deal you'll get 25% less money."