Contradictory Ecclestone says new rules 'timely'

Feb.5 (GMM) Depending on the forum, Bernie Ecclestone has contradictory views about F1's new V6-powered era.

Speaking to the specialist press, the F1 chief executive slammed the revolutionary new rules, milder engine tones and widespread technical failures at the Jerez test as "a total farce".

"The whole thing with the new engines is totally absurd," the 83-year-old Briton added.

But in a vastly different forum, Ecclestone also has a vastly different opinion.

In an official report revealing a fall in F1's global television audience last year, he hailed the incoming new era.

"It is timely developments like these that keep formula one at the forefront of sustainable and relevant technology," the report quoted Ecclestone as saying.

"One thing I am sure of is that this coming season will not only offer a heightened level of unpredictability but renewed excitement and fierce competition," he added.