UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Standard ECU 'A mistake'

BMW boss critical

Jan.9 (GMM) The rhetoric about F1's new era of standard electronics continues to increase, with BMW boss Mario Theissen now stepping up his critique of the mandatory system supplied to all teams in 2008 and beyond by a McLaren subsidiary.

Renault has until now been the most outspoken team about being compelled to use a system developed by the Woking based company, particularly after a 2007 season that was marred by spying scandals involving Ron Dennis' team.

Ferrari's Jean Todt, also central to the McLaren espionage affairs, said this week: "We would have preferred that the (ECU) was built by another company."

BMW-Sauber team principal Dr Mario Theissen voiced his qualms to the German newspaper Bild on Wednesday.

"The move to standard electronics was a mistake," he said. "We have incurred substantial additional costs.

"And the fact that (the ECU) is dispensed by a competitor, which receives and looks at our procedures, does not make things any better," the German added.

McLaren engine partner Mercedes-Benz's competition boss, Norbert Haug, is keen to play down the ruckus about the jointly Microsoft-developed unit.

"Our partner McLaren presented the best and cheapest offer (in the tender process), so for the FIA it was the logical choice.

"We are very confident that the concerns are totally unfounded," he added.

Written: Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:51:30