Quotes Roundup – Week Ending 3rd May

The very best from the mouths of those in the know.

McLaren Hearing

The FIA appreciate a change in the team…

• “We have been incredibly open and frank with the FIA. They have been helpful, and I hope we have a basis upon which we can have a strong relationship.” Martin Whitmarsh
  
• “Having regard to the open and honest way in which McLaren Team Principal, Mr Martin Whitmarsh, addressed the WMSC and the change in culture which he made clear has taken place in his organisation, the WMSC decided to suspend the application of the penalty it deems appropriate.” FIA Statement
  
• “We think it’s entirely fair. They’ve demonstrated there’s a complete culture change and under those circumstances it’s better to put the whole thing behind us. Unless they do something similar, that’s the end of the matter.” Max Mosley
  

The Budget Cap

A two-tier system might emerge next year…

• “We would like to see all the teams operating to one set of regulations and under a budget cap in 2010 and that is the position we will be advocating within FOTA when we meet next week.” Frank Williams
  
• “In principle Force India welcomes all cost cutting initiatives and budget caps, but we must fully investigate and understand the implications of the current measures proposed by both the FIA and FOTA.” Vijay Mallya
  
• “…as you know I have always been concerned about the introduction, mainly because I consider that there are serious technical difficulties in making sure that any cap can be realistically monitored.” Luca di Montezemolo
  

Upcoming Upgrades

Back to Europe, development can begin…

• “As the rate of development slows, KERS will take on a greater significance. We’re working flat-out to get it onto the FW31 as soon as possible, but I can’t say when that will be at this stage. As soon as it’s ready, it’ll be on the car.” Sam Michael
  
• “We have got a long way to go in the championship – 13 more races. This is a great start, but all we can do is push very hard for upgrades and improvements. You’ve seen the progress of some of the other teams, so we have to starting hitting our slopes of progress again.” Ross Brawn
  
• “We decided before the start of the season to combine a bigger development package for Barcelona and I can only hope that this will pay off. Today, it looks like we are behind but if the package is good the picture can change within two weeks.” Mario Theissen