Mosley hails 'excellent start' to F1 season
Max Mosley has declared Formula One’s new rules for 2005 a resounding success.
Mosley, president of world governing body the FIA, introduced controversial new regulations late last year designed to slow cars down and reduce costs by restricting aerodynamic and engine performance.
The rule changes were fiercely criticised by many team bosses, who argued late notice of the alterations cost them money and pointed to no discernible increase in lap times over the first two races of the season.
But Mosley today hit back, insisting his new rules have worked.
In a statement he said: “The drop in performance predicted by the Formula One technical directors has been achieved in the first two races.
“Had the rules not been changed it is reasonable to assume that the reduction in lap times from 2004 to 2005 would have been about the same as it was from 2003 to 2004.
“Thus, assuming normal progress would have been made had the rules not been changed, the cars were 5.2 and 3.5 seconds a lap slower in Australia and Malaysia respectively.”
Mosley’s plan to cut speeds was always more likely merely to restrict improvement rather than actively slow cars down but his cost-cutting plans were attacked by many in the paddock.
They argued that by introducing 2005 regulations late in the 2004 season, teams would be forced to spend more money to update their cars,
But Mosley is adamant saving have been made in other areas, insisting: “Cost savings are significant. We understand that the tyre suppliers are now taking four sets per car to a grand prix compared to 19 sets per car in 2004.
“Also, each team is now using two engines for two events.
“Bearing in mind that an engine rebuild costs about more than £100,000 and remembering that these engines now last upwards of four times as long during private testing, the savings are enormous.
“There is also a significant saving on capital expenditure because each team’s stock of engines and wheels is smaller. With fewer engines and wheels to move around the world transport costs are also lower.
“In summary, thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, the season has got off to an excellent start.”
