Dennis reconsidering arbitration case

Ron Dennis may consider dropping the arbitration case he and Frank Williams are threatening against the FIA in regard to rule changes. The two team bosses announced their arbitration intention back in February, accusing the FIA of 'dumbing down' the sport in regard to the banning of driver aids; objecting to the limit placed on alterations to cars between qualifying and race, citing safety reasons, and saying the governing body was in breach of the Concorde Agreement in the way that the new rules had been introduced.

Since then, however, the FIA has delayed the ban on driver aids until 2004 because of the arbitration, which no doubt has pleased Dennis. With McLaren's success so far this season the boss may be ready to reconsider the legal action.

Speaking before the Brazilian Grand Prix, Dennis said: "We fully acknowledge that we have had two great races and a lot of that has come as a consequence of changes that the teams had suggested. We're in a mindset as a team where we want F1 to maintain the momentum, and if we have to modify our position to find the best way forward, then we will do that."

"Arbitration is a costly, time-consuming process that we would certainly prefer to avoid, but we have to achieve a satisfactory position for the teams and, until then, we will go through the long drawn-out process. But we've had very constructive dialogue with the FIA and some other teams and I'm optimistic we'll find a good way forward."