F1's back-to-70s shock

The return of slick tyres and a huge reduction in downforce are among the proposals issued by the FIA for Formula One from 2008.

In a document released in the build-up to the infamous United States Grand Prix, the FIA proposes to cut downforce to just 10 per cent of current levels. As well as slicks, the FIA is pushing for standard engine ECUs and gearbox internals, an increase in tyre width, standard brakes and a limitation on the use of exotic materials. It also wants to ban spare cars and limit testing to 18,000 miles per team per season.

Among the most controversial measures is a push for a single tyre supplier — and the FIA could well use what transpired in the United States as justification for this.

The document said: “It is the duty of the governing body to do what it can to keep all the manufacturers involved and try to attract new ones. A 90 per cent reduction in manufacturer costs without diminishing the spectacle of F1 would probably be possible, given close and rational collaboration with the manufacturers and teams.”

Some have criticised the proposals, which will be open for negotiation with the teams, as a ‘dumbing down’ of F1. The timing of the document, when the teams were in North America and unable to react as they might normally have done, is also seen as significant.

BMW boss Mario Theissen hinted that the GPWC teams may unveil their own plans in August.