‘Friday’ rule could stay

Ron Dennis says McLaren will not vote against retaining the 'Friday' car rule next season. Although the silver clad camp will no longer be eligible for the bottom-six benefit in 2006, Ron – the Woking team's boss – reckons it would be 'hypocritical' to prevent others (including Williams, BAR and BMW in 2007) to take part.

''We would be supportive of whatever the majority of teams wish to have in the future,'' Dennis said in China amid rumblings that the rule could soon be scrapped altogether.

''We won't vote for or against.''

Some observers point out that the 'Friday' benefit, which has seen Alex Wurz and Pedro de la Rosa share the duties this season, may have contributed to McLaren's dominance.

Dennis replied: ''I don't think the benefits are as extreme as some people make out.''