BMS Cars to be restricted?

[SALEEN S7R]

According to this Autosport Magasine the BMS Ferrari 550s look set to be given a smaller restrictor, due to the fact they have won all 5 races so far this year. Claims a source close to the team. The handicap is likely to be introduced in time for the next round at Anderstorp.

Series Boss Stephane Ratel admitted that a smaller restrictor to reduce power was on the cards. The other possibilty was a weight penalty. Ratel said: "It has been discussed, but it is an FIA matter. But as the promoter of the series, I am in favour of a penalty because it would be good for the championship.

But BMS insiders point out that runaway series leaders Thomas Biaggi and Matteo Bobbi have often won through consistancy, rather than outright pace, and that the 550 has qualifed on pole just twice this season. Ratel belives that a penalty would be a "sign of the FIA's Intent" to prevent one team or marque from dominating the series. Last month FIA president Max Mosley outlined plans to prevent this from happening in the future.

ENDS:/

Now to me this sounds like a very BAD idea. Nobody handicaps teams in other series, barring British GT. Nobody handicapped the Audi's or the Corvettes in the ALMS after all, and the ALMS is fine. Personally I say keep the rules as they are now, but if they have to give penalties simply move the penalty limit up to 200kg rather than the current 100kg. Dont reduce power, I dont know why but Id say more sucess ballast is the way forward, rather than pecking the cars power back.

What do u think? I think this could scare manufacturers away, if they start doing well the FIA will penalise them, and another factory team will start to win. To the casual viewer this would be confusing, and woudnt be good for the image. What id suggest is the FIA introduce a new class for the manufacturers. Maybe call it GTS for example. Still hopefully the restrictors wont be implemented, as the magasine says the statement could be due within days. And that hasnt happened so far. So maybe its just speculation..

[krt917]

I absolutely hate penalties for winning cars. I know all the arguments about it making the racing more exciting and all that, but that's artificial. I guess I'm a purist - I want to see the best car/driver combinations win and if they win a lot, then it's up to everyone else to catch them up.

The BMS restriction is even more silly, becasue the car hasn't been demonstrably quicker than its rivals. They've just done a good, consistant job, and haven't suffered the sort of bad luck that the Lister and Konrad teams have.

[dretceterini]

I dislike weight penalties too; even in touring cars...

[krt917]

Absolutely, it's about time they got rid of it from the BTCC...

...oops, sorry, wrong forum! But the principle is the same!