BMW supports new rules

One company directly affected by the rule changes, in respect of their engines is BMW and for BMW Motorsport Director Gerhard Berger the rule changes are a "sensible compromise".

Gerhard welcomed the new rules by saying on the BMW Motorsport web site. He said: “In order to reach a sensible solution, the FIA initially made drastic and ambitious demands. That was the pre-condition for proper discussions. Now the discussions have been held and a sensible compromise has been made. Most of the proposals made by the FIA have been approved upon, however, for a different time frame. Now everyone has enough time to get used to the new regulations.”

The rules most affecting BMW are those relating to the systems such as traction and launch control. The rule changes regarding these areas have been delayed and will only come into force as of the British Grand Prix, where such electronics are banned. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen has confirmed that the BMW WilliamsF1 Team is already working on the implementation of the new FIA regulations.

Dr Theissen added: “The new regulations are acceptable for us; we are already working on them. The new regulations aim at the limitation of costs and at re-increasing the attractiveness of the races. BMW supports these aims without reservation. After intensive discussions with the teams, the FIA put the far-reaching rule changes in a practicable time frame.”

But Dr Theissen also made it very clear that the FIA needs to put in place monitoring systems which can spot the use of such systems must be developed. He added: “The monitoring of the elimination of traction control and launch control has to be developed first.”

The FIA had originally indicated that they wanted to move to a common electronic system for all cars. This was something that engine manufacturers such as BMW opposed as it limited technical innovation. With the new rule this is not to occur, allowing freedom in this area.

Dr Theissen added: “This matches the ambitions of Formula 1, not only in sport terms, but also to mark the top in technical terms. This decision provides further leeway for BMW, a pioneer in car electronics, to demonstrate our competency in this field."