Formula One news

Mixed feelings over regulations for Briatore

Renault Team Principal Flavio Briatore has mixed emotions over the new regulations imposed on Monday by Formula One's governing body, the FIA. The Italian is confident that the new scoring system will improve racing, although believes work must still be done to improving working relations between the FIA and the teams.

"I don't have any problem with the 'wins' scoring system, it's an extra motivation for drivers to do their best and try to win," Briatore told the BBC. "Formula 1 is always about winning and overtaking and if this is one extra motivation I think we're going in the right direction."

The second talking point following the meeting in Paris is that, under 2010 technical regulations, teams will be presented with the option of continuing to run their cars under current rules or being granted technical freedom, but capping their budget at £30m. "I think we really need to sit down together and understand it, because the teams have already done a big job with regards to reducing costs," Briatore continued. "Formula 1 is very complicated and sometimes costs do go up but we need stability, and we need to be able to work together with the FIA; the latest changes are a bit of a shock and we're waiting to see what happens, but I do believe the FIA has been working together in their own way to achieve a target."

Luca di Montezemelo, Chairman of the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) which represents all teams, released a statement to follow the FIA press release, stating that they are 'disappointed' with the governing body's sudden and 'unilateral' decision. Briatore continued: "I think Formula 1 needs to have the same rules for everybody. We do need to discuss budgets but, for me, the main thing is that all cars run by the same rules so it's the same for everybody. The economic crisis has made everybody more worried and we need a more efficient Formula 1, with a set programme; I believe FOTA has already done an incredible job for 2009 and 2010 and is now ready to make further progress for 2011 and 2012, but we do need the teams working together with the FIA."

The Renault chief concluded by stating that, although the factors explained are vital, "it is not possible to change the world in a week".

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