Thursday 20th February 2003

Ron Dennis accused the FIA of dictatorial behaviour after it banned refuelling and set-up changes between qualifying and the race as well as putting an end to teams changing settings remotely while the car is on track. Dennis claimed: “The FIA is trying to ‘dumb down’ Formula One.” In the end 2003 turned out to be one of the most competitive seasons in years and the rule changes, as well as some more dramatic ones since, still stand today.