There are fears, not helped by the hysteria being whipped up by at least one media source, that the (nine) teams using V8 power-plants will be at a disadvantage in 2006, when Scuderia Toro Rosso is allowed to continue using a V10 engine, albeit restricted.

Although various people in the pitlane are concerned at the disparity, said to be as much as 80bhp, the threat of a backlash, or even teams attempting to stick with the V10, is highly remote.

The rules of the 2006 World Championship are that teams must use V8 engines, though special dispensation was given to Minardi to use (restricted) V10s because of its financial problems. Although the team has since been bought by Red Bull, which enjoys a healthy, budget it will continue with the original plan to use the V10, even though greater restrictions might be placed on the Cosworth engine.

Speaking of the power difference between the V8 and V10, Honda Racing's Vice President, Otmar Szafnauer, says that he is confident the disparity will be resolved.

"The FIA has reserved the right to change and reset the maximum crankshaft rotational speed of the V10 at any time and they've said the V10 would never have an advantage over the V8.

"However, as it stands today with the initial rev limit and air restrictor, there's no question that the V10 is superior to the V8 in terms of performance," he admitted. "The FIA, though, does reserve the right to make changes without notice and, as it has been advocating V8 for both safety and cost reasons, I am confident the current imbalance will be sorted out before the start of next season."