Extra entries possible for Formula One

Motor Racing

Motor Racing

Formula One's grand prix teams may be allowed to enter three cars instead of two in the 1996 world championship.

Bernie Ecclestone, the president of the Formula One Constructors' Association and vice-president of the sport's ruling body, the FIA, said yesterday rule changes to allow for three cars instead of two were being considered. "I think it is a good idea and it looks as if it will happen. It could be decided after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza [on 10 September]," he said.

This season, there are only 12 teams with two cars in the world championship, and Minardi are expected to withdraw in 1996, which would leave only 22 cars competing for places on what used to be a 26-car grid, unless more teams joined next year.

Ecclestone said the third car would not be allowed to score points in the world constructors' championship but the driver could score points towards the drivers' title.