Richards plays down mousse ban

As part of the raft of changes to the series from 2008, the anti-deflation mousse which automatically deploys to plug a puncture should a tyre get one mid-stage will be outlawed.

This will be banned from 2008 and cars have the double-whammy of not being allowed to limp home on three wheels.

However Richards, who is to shortly step down from his role as the chairman of the WRC commercial rights holder ISC, believes that because there will only be one tyre manufacturer, making a strong enough tyre will not be a problem.

"The reason for the mousse is to allow high-performance tyres," Richards told WRC Rally Radio. "The tyres are designed for maximum performance with soft carcasses and rubber. Then the mousse was added.

"If there's only one tyre, then it can be built for less performance but more strength. If it has less traction, then it will be more spectacular for the spectators and for TV and more puncture-proof.

"Pirelli traditionally made a very good puncture-proof tyre without mousse, so I'm sure whichever company eventually supplies the tyres can do the same."

Richards also believes the rest of the changes, including new events on the calendar, are a good move for the WRC.

"There have been some criticisms of indecisiveness in the direction of the WRC over the last few years. But most of the things we've seen from the World Motorsport Council are positive and we should look at them in that light.

"Talking to the teams, there are some concerns over the number of events in the championship. But it's a good situation to be in, where there are so many rallies wanting to be in the WRC."