"This is a good start.  Anything which makes the 'show' more exciting, whilst containing costs, can only be seen as an advantage for Formula One.  Cost-saving by limiting the number of engines is an excellent starting point, and the driver penalties mean stewards can punish a driver effectively but keep him in the race.  All these measures will make Grands Prix better for fans"

Eddie talks in more detail about his reaction to the changes on BBC Radio Five Live (909 and 693 AM in the UK) with Jonathan Legard on Friday 22 March 2000hrs - 2030hrs.

The FIA issued a statement on 20 March announcing the following decisions taken by the World Motor Sport Council:

Sporting Regulations

Engine limitation during the event – From 1 January 2004, each driver may use only one engine for the three days of a Grand Prix weekend. Each time his engine is changed during the event, the driver will move back 10 places on the grid. The FIA, in consultation with the teams, will define an engine change so as to prevent the rebuilding of an engine at the circuit. Use of its spare car counts as use of an additional engine.

Chassis – The FIA has undertaken not to change the Formula One chassis regulations for the two years 2003 and 2004.

Penalties available to the stewards – In addition to their existing powers, the stewards have been given the power to move a driver involved in an incident 10 places back from his qualifying position for the grid at the next event (immediate application).

Cars delayed at the start of the formation lap – Any car which is still unable to leave the grid under its own power 30 seconds after the green light will be pushed to the pit lane (immediate application).

Race numbers – Race numbers will follow the Constructors’ Championship order of the previous year, except for the numbers 1 and 2, which go to the team for which the World Champion is driving.

Safety

Head and Neck Protection System (HANS) – Use of the Head and Neck Protection System (HANS) will be compulsory in the FIA Formula One World Championship from 1 January 2003 (and also for F3000) provided the FIA has confirmation from each team that no driver is disadvantaged by using the device and that the FIA is able to conclude a licensing agreement with DaimlerChrysler which enables the device to be used in all international motor sport.