Stewart sees no need for change

Michael Schumacher dominated again in 2002

Sir Jackie Stewart has dismissed suggestions that Formula One needs to undergo radical changes.

The three-time world champion was talking ahead of a meeting of the FIA Formula One Commission on Monday.

I don't think you can suddenly do radical things to change overnight

Jackie Stewart

The commission hope to re-ignite interest in a sport that has seen TV viewers switch off due to the predictability of Ferrari's dominance.

Some sweeping changes have been proposed, but Stewart believes that is not the answer.

Hold the revolution

"They've suggested some bizarre ideas that I don't think will be taken up, such as drivers going from one team to another," he told BBC Sport.

"Contractually that just wouldn't be a workable proposition at all.

"I think it will be more practical than that. I know that everybody has been thinking a lot about it.

"Clearly the show has not been as good as it might have been.

"How we deal with that is very sensitive because you're not really able in motorsport to equalise and have a level playing field because technical advancement is part of the game.

Stewart is wary of major change

"You have to remember there has been domination in the sport for very many years."

Of the proposals suggested, Stewart believes the idea to hold qualifying sessions over Friday and Saturday is the most appealing.

"They're going to come up with something that will substantially alter it to make a better show as well as not prostituting the integrity of the pure factor of engineering excellence," he added.

"I think they will come up with something that will relate to the weekends' racing to make it an exciting package without damaging the technology.

"I don't think you can suddenly do radical things to change overnight because the expense has already happened.

"Most of the racing cars are almost fully designed by July, August, September.

"So on 28 October you're going to change all of that investment and plans that have been laid down? That can't happen."

The 26-strong commission is made up of teams (12 votes), race promoters (8), sponsors (2), engine suppliers (1), tyre suppliers (1), Bernie Ecclestone (1) and Max Mosley (1).

Any proposal to change the sporting regulations needs at least 18 votes, while a technical regulation change needs a unanimous vote.

Review of every team and driver in 2002