Pitchforth happy with 2003 rules

Jaguar's Managing Director David Pitchforth was happy with the rule changes introduced at the beginning of 2003, especially the way qualifying shook up the grid. The one-flying lap system adopted this year certainly saw some unusual starting positions and Pitchforth thinks it was much more interesting.

"Basically, the new regulations really stirred up the grid," Pitchforth told the team website. "You had Williams and McLarens starting at the back on occasion and Ferraris half way down. So it made for more interesting racing and we've got away from the procession."

Jaguar star Mark Webber was one of the drivers who adapted well to the change in qualifying format and Pitchforth rates the Australian highly. "It's also been okay for us," he said. "Mark Webber's been very good at one lap qualifying and I'd say he was one of the best drivers of the season."

Some think that the new points system was the biggest contributor to the championship being so close and although Pitchforth concedes the old system would have seen a bigger gap between the contenders, he thinks it still would have been tough.

"With the points regulations the gap would have been larger but the actual racing would have still been more interesting because the Michelin tyre was better than the Bridgestone tyre," he said.

Pitchforth also praised Michael Schumacher and Ferrari for winning what was a hard fought season: "Michael's done a fantastic job," he added. "I think he's definitely earned this one because he really had to fight for it."

"The season wasn't decided until the very end and, although the last race was pretty much a forgone conclusion, the outcome could have been different so I think both Ferrari and Michael did a fantastic job."