The long awaited statement from the Formula One Teams Association was released last Thursday with teams united in a call for a radical cut in costs, a new points system and better access to teams and drivers for the public and media.

The announcement called for an immediate change in the points system to provide more incentive for a win.

Also proposed are changes to technical regulations to extend the working life of engines, and limitations on the use of exotic materials and a cutback in wind tunnel and CFD modelling.

Teams have already agreed to cuts in some areas for this year with Wind tunnel use restricted this year, and teams only allowed to use 60% models and maximum speeds of 50m/s.

For 2009 teams will limit engine use to eight engines per driver for season, and the engines will be limited to a 18,000rpm maximum. 

There will be a restriction of the number of parts or updates per year for the chassis with one single specification per year for wheels/survival cell/roll structures and front and rear impact structures.

Modifications will be limited to two homologation versions for suspension assemblies and skid blocks , three specs for engine cover, sidepods, diffuser, floor and air ducts and five for wings, where trimming will be allowed.”

FOTA will be put in place a three-year homologation period for transmissions, meaning no development or new gearbox design from 2010 to 2012.

There will be four gearboxes per driver per season and teams will be able to buy a gearbox package for 1.5 million Euros.

One of the more controversial proposals is that FOTA is aiming to have a standard KERS for 2010 and that it will be put out to tender.

This would seem to contradict the idea that competition between manufacturers to build better, lighter and more efficient KERS would provide a direct and tangible benefit to the main stream auto industry.

Race distances have also been put under the spotlight with a call for a reduction in race distances to 250km or a maximum of one hour 40 minutes.

The public perception of Formula One as aloof and inaccessible will be targeted with a number of proposals to increase interaction between fans and teams.

For 2009 these will include increased data provision for media and a commitment to allow broadcast of all team radio communication during the race.

FOTA has also called on teams to provide one senior team spokesman for TV interviews during grand prix. 

Of most concern to some drivers though will be a call for mandatory driver autograph sessions, that’ll eat in to there motorhome time.