Speed reduction officially requested

At the World Motor Sport Council meeting in Paris today the significant increase speeds in recent years was a topic for discussion, and how safety measures have been tested 'to the absolute limits' in the crashes of Sauber's Felipe Massa (Montreal) and Williams' Ralf Schumacher (Indianapolis).

In relation to this, the Council has formally requested that the Technical Working Group (TWG) propose measures to reduce the performance of the cars. If the TWG cannot comply, the FIA will impose its own measures in accordance with Article 7.5 of the Concorde Agreement.

The Article gives the FIA the right to act if safety is an issue. Should the FIA need to do so, the measures it decides on will be announced in October and come into force in time for the 2005 season.

A reduction in engine size is the current suggestion under scrutiny but any change would have to be a unanimous decision by the teams. Some manufacturers are balking at the idea of a 2.4 litre V8 as opposed to the current 3 litre V10, but a restricted V10 may be an option. Tyres are also a consideration, although so far the engine debate has been prominent.