Mosley braced for opposition at F1 meeting

Formula One bosses were set for a confrontational meeting at Heathrow Airport today to discuss cost-cutting measures.

FIA president Max Mosley has called the meeting in a bid to try to reduce costs and improve the sport after being hit by falling television audiences and reduced sponsorship last year.

The banning of traction, launch control and other electronic aids, will be on the agenda with Mosley aiming to force through change if there is not unanimous agreement.

It is likely to be the last real chance to agree technical changes before the season starts in Australia on 9 March.

Mosley visited world champions Ferrari last week and is thought to have persuaded sporting director Jean Todt that Formula One cannot exist as it is in the prevailing economic climate.

Former driver and television commentator Martin Brundle said: "I'm hoping we are going to see some fireworks when Max Mosley forces on them cutting some costs, and even slowing the cars up a little bit."

Mosley is also pushing for 'zero tolerance' on the policing of the 2003 technical regulations, with one likely outcome being closer scrutiny of 'driver aids', including the traction and launch control that prevent wheelspin. Power steering and automatic gearboxes could also be targeted.