Mercedes has "described as absurd the possibility of changes being made" to the latest F1 regulations, according to the PA. Despite the "criticism of the 1.6-litre V6 turbo-charged power unit" following the opening two grands prix, the "race in Bahrain halted negative comments in their tracks." In the buildup to the event there were "suggestions of shortening the races or increasing the amount of fuel being used to guard against 'taxi driving'" as declared by Ferrari President Luca Di Montezemolo. Motorsports governing body FIA President Jean Todt has "made it clear there will be no quick fixes for this season, other than -- for entertainment purposes -- the likelihood of raising the decibel levels of the cars, given that they are far quieter." Ferrari and Red Bull could "attempt to push for changes next season," but Mercedes Exec Dir Paddy Lowe "believes that would be a backward step." Lowe: "There were things being talked about in the last weeks and days that were just completely unrealistic. The first suggestion was we need 110kg [of fuel]. Has anyone realized you couldn't fit 110kg into these cars. Then there was talk of making the races shorter. Can you imagine selling that concept to the public? It would be like saying: 'We've decided people aren't fit enough these days and marathons are only going to be 25 miles, not 26'" (PA, 4/10).
