Arrivabene backs Lauda for F1 'revolution'

Jan.24 (GMM) Ferrari has called for a rules "revolution" for formula one in 2017.

Upset with the mild tone of the new V6 engines and a dwindling audience, Bernie Ecclestone wants a radical change and this week he earned the backing of Mercedes' team chairman and F1 legend Niki Lauda.

"I want a car for the future that has 1,200 horse power, wide tyres -- formula one needs to be faster and more difficult, as it once was," Lauda said.

Now, new Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene said: "I share Niki's view that formula one needs to be more spectacular and I believe that the risk he evokes of the sport losing fans is something that has unfortunately already happened."

In a statement posted on the Maranello team's website, Arrivabene called for "aesthetically more appealing" cars by 2017 that make noise akin to "a heavy metal band".

"However, I don't think a simple evolution is enough in this case," said the former Marlboro executive.

"Instead, a real revolution is called for, with significant and radical changes."