CHANGES COMING SOONER.(News)

Not only did the majority of Formula One teams agree to the sweeping changes the F1 sanctioning body has proposed (AW, May 3), the teams want to implement those changes in 2006 instead of 2008.

At a press conference in Monaco, FIA president Max Mosley said the F1 team bosses have given the plan the green light. He said he expected resistance over rules aimed at cutting costs and raising F1's entertainment value, but he got none.

The teams agreed to further discuss exact engine size, but a new engine specification is expected for the 2006 season.

They agreed the least-expensive solutions be introduced as soon as possible-for braking, steering and transmissions. The return of manual gearboxes has been rejected because the semiautomatic gearboxes are more economical, the teams said.

A spare car won't be allowed, but a spare monocoque chassis in a pre-packed box, similar to those in F3000, will be. Cars will be held overnight in parc ferme and teams will be allowed to adjust the car but not rebuild it. Teams are considering a ban on tire changes in races by 2005.

Teams won't need to run second test teams along with their race teams because testing will be severely limited. The FIA also told the teams and Bernie Ecclestone to come up with a better qualifying system to replace the current format.

The teams told Mosley they are open to having no restriction on the sale, loan or exchange of chassis and parts between teams or new entrants. But they are asking for some type of guarantee about not devaluing F1 or their own financial situation. They also agreed that unanimous voting on short-term technical rule changes will be replaced by majority voting.