F1 drivers in Ecclestone firing line

In ongoing talks with the F1 team principals on the subject of 'spicing up the show', FOM principal Bernie Ecclestone is implying that any shortage of overtaking manoeuvres has less to do with aerodynamics and other technology than a lack of motivation by overpaid drivers. "I'm looking for drivers who want to compete," he told The Times. "Then we'll get the show we want." He proposes that drivers should be paid on the basis of points scored

Aug 5, 2003, 7:56 AM

"I don't want gimmicks," Ecclestone continued. "This isn't about team owners playing games on a 'Playstation'. This is show business. We have to go racing at every grand prix. We have to stop talking and start giving something back to the public.

"What was the problem with the racing at Silverstone? As soon as they realised they could win or get decent places, they all started overtaking. For too long they've expected to do their overtaking in the pits, relying on stopping for eight seconds when the other guy takes ten. They should do their overtaking on the track.

"It's impossible to force the teams to do it, but we should think about paying the drivers when they get points, and not just hand out the big salaries."