UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Team bosses meet at Valencia

KERS on the agenda

Aug.23 (GMM) In the Toyota motor home, formula one team bosses at Valencia staged the latest in a series of recent group meetings.

BMW's Mario Theissen was asked about the get-together on Friday and revealed only that "the future and financial issues", and the sustainability of the sport, were discussed.

The German magazine Auto Motor und Sport reports that, following FIA president Max Mosley's request, the reduction of costs and future rules were also discussed, with Bernie Ecclestone acting as chairman, but no agreement was reached.

There was no shortage of ideas, however. Reportedly, some teams - like Flavio Briatore-led Renault - want the introduction of standardised parts, such as KERS systems.

Some bosses would also be in favour of a three-year freeze on chassis development. Interestingly, the most vehemently opposed to these proposals are independent purist Sir Frank Williams, and also Force India.

Toro Rosso principal Franz Tost cannot understand their arguments.

"It is absolute madness. In the car industry, there are more and more joint ventures; only in formula one do we all try to reinvent the wheel," said the Austrian, as the Faenza team faces the looming end of its ability to source a chassis from Red Bull.

Similarly, Briatore said he would be happy if the F1 teams put their heads together and developed a standard KERS system.

"This is really the only way to control costs," said the Italian.

Briatore faces stiff reprisals from those who believe that more of these sorts of philosophies - like the current frozen engines, standard ECUs and control tyres - will render F1 little more than a glorified GP2 championship.

"Everybody forgets what the public wants," he hits back. "I don't see many people interested in our gearbox or our suspension or our brakes.

"The world has changed, we are in the entertainment business as well," Briatore said.

Written: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:52:12