F1 bosses dismiss 'handicap' idea

Plans to introduce a handicap system into Formula One have been rejected by bosses at three top teams.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has suggested a weight handicap system to stop teams like Ferrari dominating the championship as they have done this season.

Ecclestone and Max Mosley, the president of motorsport governing body the FIA, are behind the changes which were explained in detail to teams yesterday ahead of this weekend’s Japanese GP at Suzuka.

But even though team owner Eddie Jordan has backed the idea, team bosses at Ferrari, Williams and McLaren do not agree.

Williams technical director Patrick Head told Autosport: “I find the suggestion of adding ballast to anyone’s car distasteful.

“Will Arsenal have to field nine men when they play Chelsea – or Pete Sampras have two strings cut from his racket when he meets Tim Henman?

“It is just a knee-jerk reaction because Ferrari have been so dominant. But it is up to the other teams to overtake them and that is something we feel we are more than capable of doing.”

McLaren managing director Martin Whitmarsh said: “We will not sign up to any handicapping. Ferrari have done a fantastic job and we and Williams have under-performed. It’s up to us to put that right.”

Ferrari president Luca di Montezmolo, whose team would have the most to lose, said: “F1 is not a gymkhana”.