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Formula One: Todt dismisses rule changes

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AFP Manama
FIA president Jean Todt has promised to look into improving the sound of Formula One's new engines but dismissed a change in the rules demanded by some stables.

Todt, the head of the world sport's governing body, said that those who were complaining about the lack of noise from the engines were more vocal than those in favour.

But he said he was ready to meet with reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel who bluntly swore when asked about the sound of the new engine.

"Vettel made a negative comment about the engine noise, but not on the engines," said Todt.
 

"He's an icon of our sport, four-time world champion ... if he came to me about the noise problem I would listen because he is qualified to talk about it.

"We're examining this problem with three engine manufacturers involved in F1. We're seeing if we can make it noisier."

The Frenchman said however that for the rules to be changed mid-season it would require the unanimous approval of all teams.

"We need the unanimous agreement of stables, otherwise we can't change anything. We are in a competitive world, those in front don't complain and others complain, making more noise than those who are happy.

"It's in the nature of things, the history of F1 is filled with periods of domination. Ferrari, McLaren, Williams, Red Bull and now, after only two GP, Mercedes.

"I don't have the power to slow them down and it's a challenge for the other teams to catch up. It would not be fair to penalise a team that did a better job than others.

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First Published: Apr 07 2014 | 7:31 PM IST

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