Head wary of further rule changes

The Williams technical director Patrick Head believes the new Formula One regulations have to be given at least half a season before any more changes to the rulebook are considered.

However, Head argued that the new qualifying format that was used at last weekend's season opening Australian Grand Prix was a let-down. "I think it is a bit of a bore," he said of the one-lap qualifying rule with drivers taking it in turns to go out onto the track.

"But people connected with television say it's good news because sometimes you could go 25 minutes into the session and all you get on the track is the odd Minardi or something.

"I think for the television viewers it's got to be better – for the people at the track I think it's a bit dull."

Of the possibility of more changes, he said: "Leaping from one thing to another is difficult. It should go half a season at least before modifying it again.

"The teams are flat out adjusting to the changes that were imposed on them as it is. We've got very expensive and labour intensive changes imposed for Silverstone. We have got to be out testing with those changes."

Max Mosley, the president of the Formula One governing body, FIA, forced through the new qualifying format – along with plans to abolish drivers' aids that will be implemented from July's British Grand Prix – in a bid to boost the sport's popularity following last season's domination by Ferrari.

Mosley claimed the new format had played a role in David Coulthard's thrilling win in Melbourne and he was backed by the Minardi owner Paul Stoddart and BAR's David Richards, though Ron Dennis of McLaren said it needed fine tuning.

The teams will meet after next month's Brazilian Grand Prix – the third race of the season – to see how the changes have worked.