[DOF_power]

F1 trio criticises new technical era
Formula One, becoming another spec-series...
09/01/08 10:13


A trio of experienced pit wall residents have criticised F1's new era of restrictive rules.

In 2008, the introduction of standard electronics coincides with a crackdown on sophisticated driver aids, including bans on traction and launch control.

The developments come just a year after the governing body introduced a long term freeze on engine designs.

But while the FIA's ambition is to cut costs and improve the spectacle, Ferrari technical director Aldo Costa points out a side-effect.

To the Berlin newspaper Die Welt, he said: "The new rules are so restrictive that there is no longer room for groundbreaking developments.
"

The Maranello based team's Luca Baldisserri added: "Technically, we have gone backwards ten years."

Finally, also cited in the German newspaper report, new Honda team boss Ross Brawn observed: "From the middle of the season, from a technical point of view, F1 will be essentially a single formula."

Source GMM
© CAPSIS International


Theissen adds voice to McLaren ECU rhetoric
''We have incurred substantial additional costs''
09/01/08 10:09

The rhetoric about F1's new era of standard electronics continues to increase, with BMW boss Mario Theissen now stepping up his critique of the mandatory system supplied to all teams in 2008 and beyond by a McLaren subsidiary.

Renault has until now been the most outspoken team about being compelled to use a system developed by the Woking based company, particularly after a 2007 season that was marred by spying scandals involving Ron Dennis' team.

Ferrari's Jean Todt, also central to the McLaren espionage affairs, said this week: "We would have preferred that the (ECU) was built by another company."

BMW Sauber Team Principal Dr Mario Theissen voiced his qualms to the German newspaper Bild on Wednesday.

"The move to standard electronics was a mistake," he said. "We have incurred substantial additional costs.


"And the fact that (the ECU) is dispensed by a competitor, which receives and looks at our procedures, does not make things any better," the German added.

McLaren engine partner Mercedes-Benz's competition boss, Norbert Haug, is keen to play down the ruckus about the jointly Microsoft-developed unit.

"Our partner McLaren presented the best and cheapest offer (in the tender process), so for the FIA it was the logical choice.

"We are very confident that the concerns are totally unfounded," he added.

Source GMM
© CAPSIS International