Reservations over engine rules

The FIA announced on October 22nd that due to the Technical Working Group failing to come to a decision on new rules for 2005 and beyond, it would impose its own set of regulations. The teams mostly agreed on the aerodynamic and tyre changes in the new technical requirements, but it's the engine that is the bone of contention.

For 2005 engine specifications remain the same, although each engine will have to last for two race weekends rather than one. However, come 2006 engines will be reduced to 2.4 litre V8 units, with restrictions on design and usable materials.

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen said he agreed on the engine life extension but lowering the capacity was an issue -- BMW has always been against a reduction of the current three litre V10 engines. Honda's Otmar Szafnauer was also not happy with the restrictions.

"We want the engine formula to be open so that we can differentiate ourselves one from the other, which makes the sport interesting for us and is one of the reasons we are here," said Szafnauer, according to Reuters.

"The FIA have the right to institute these restrictions but they don't take effect until March 1, so we hope in the time between now and then to come to a compromise that is a bit less restrictive than this."