The reaction to the FIA's sweeping rule changes in the run-up to the new season has been almost universally negative, as F1 once again gauges the mood of the teams and fans absolutely perfectly. Or possibly not.
After it was announced on Monday that from 2009, the number of wins would determine the world champion, as opposed to the number of points, drivers have been queuing up to rabidly urinate on the FIA's bonfire, while the teams have been quick to express their upset about the proposed budget cap for 2010. The Formula One Teams' Association, had been working hard on reducing budgets up and down the pit lane by cost-cutting proposals, rather than a catch-all budget cap, were quick to express concern about the FIA proposal.
"With regard to the decisions taken today by the FIA World Council, FOTA would like to express its disappointment and concern at the fact that these have been taken in a unilateral manner," a statement from FOTA head honcho Luca di Montezemolo read, continuing with "The framework of the regulations as defined by the FIA, to be applicable as from 2010, runs the risk of turning on its head the very essence of Formula 1 and the principles that make it one of the most popular and appealing sports."
"Given the timeframe and the way in which these modifications were decided upon, we feel it is necessary to study closely the new situation and to do everything, especially in these difficult times, to maintain a stable framework for the regulations without continuous upheaval, that can be perplexing and confusing for car manufacturers, teams, the public and sponsors."
Meanwhile, the decision to switch the drivers championship to be based on wins rather than points has been criticised by drivers. Jenson Button, who has been tipped as one to benefit from the new regulations by Bernie Ecclestone, should Brawn GP make a strong start to the year, claimed that the new system will merely confuse fans.
"I think the public will struggle to understand why a driver with 60 points can become champion instead of the one who has 100," Button blabbed to Gazzetta dello Sport yesterday, though he did concede that "I understand the logic behind it and I find it interesting."
Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso delivered a withering review of the new rules through a personal statement released on his website, criticising the FIA for introducing the new regulations so quickly.
"I don't understand the need to change the rules of the sport constantly. I think this kind of decisions can only confuse the fans," the statement read, "Formula 1 has existed for over 50 years thanks to the teams, the sponsors, the drivers and, above all, the fans from all over the world, and none of them have been able to express their views in front of the FIA...I hope somehow these measures can be reconsidered in the short-term."
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