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Formula One eyes possible rule changes

IMOLA, Italy -- Formula One wants to reduce the cost of
operating a team.

That goal is part of the proposed rule changes outlined by
International Automobile Federation president Max Mosley in a
letter to six team leaders.

He would also like to improve the spectacle of racing, minimize
electronic driver aids, encourage a full grid of 24 cars and urge
new teams to enter Formula One.

Only 20 cars are now competing. The Arrows and Prost teams
folded in recent seasons, leaving empty spaces at the back of the
grid.

The proposals were released Friday and will be discussed by the
governing body May 4 in Monaco. Official proposals must be
submitted by June 30. Any rule changes that might come from these
proposals would not take effect until 2008.

Formula One leader Ferrari is said to operate with a budget of
$450 million, while the struggling Minardi team operates with about
$35 million. Auto giant Toyota became the last new team to enter
Formula One in 2002 -- at $50 million.

Technical changes proposed in Mosley's letter included: reducing
engine size from 10 to eight cylinders, requiring engines to last
for two races and mandating manual gearboxes, clutches and
steering. Spare cars could also be banned in a cost-cutting move.

Ferrari's dominance in recent seasons caused FIA to institute
changes for last season, which resulted in the closest of Michael
Schumacher's six titles. He won by two points ahead of
McLaren-Mercedes' Kimi Raikkonen.

This season, Schumacher has won the first three races, earning
all 30 points. Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello is second with
21 entering this weekend's San Marino GP in Imola.

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