Formula One News — October 2003

The FIA World Motorsport Council meets on Wednesday to vote on the proposals of the various commissions for rules relating to 2004.

Max Mosley wanted to push through a rule that allowed Formula 1 teams to supply old chassis to other teams, but it was axed because of opposition from McLaren.

There has been a lot of rumouring in Formula 1 circles about the future of Jacques Villeneuve.

Japanese GP - Saturday Qualifying Report

The Formula 1 team bosses proposed changes to the Sporting Regulations in 2004 which includes a rule which will have a very dramatic effect on the careers of several Formula 1 drivers.

Japanese GP - Saturday Photos

Japanese GP - Saturday Qualifying Results

Japanese GP - Saturday Warmup Results

As we exclusively revealed yesterday, Michelin has had an approach from British American Racing about a supply of tires for next year.

Kimi Raikkonen dented his remote World Championship hopes on Saturday morning when he crashed his McLaren-Mercedes at the second corner at Suzuka.

Bernie Ecclestone is a busy man and the business of selling the television rights and in recent months as he has negotiated new TV deals for the sport.

Japanese GP - Saturday Practice Results

More and more details are now emerging about the new Formula 1 timetable being proposed for next season although the plans have yet to be ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, which meets in Paris on Wednesday next week.

Bernie Ecclestone has not made any investment in Minardi, despite the announcement in Canada that Formula 1's commercial boss that he would step in to help the team.

Japanese GP - Friday Qualifying Report

Japanese GP - Friday Photos

Mark Webber has been named as a fourth director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association.

One of the biggest things holding back new teams in F1 is the need to invest millions to build their own cars - and it stops new teams being able to come into the sport as customers in order to establish themselves.

The Formula 1 teams are busy making changes their staff as the 2003 season comes to an end and the preparations accelerate for 2004.

There have been suggestions in the paddock in Japan that British American Racing may be on the verge of switching from Bridgestone to Michelin tires for next season.

Peter Sauber has confirmed that Felipe Massa will be Giancarlo Fisichella's partner at Sauber next year.

Japanese GP - Friday Qualifying Results

Japanese GP - Friday Practice Results

Japanese GP - Friday Testing Results

More details are now leaking out about the way in which the new 2004 qualifying procedures will work. It seems that the entire qualifying process will take around 90 minutes, the same length as a televised soccer match