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F1 doesn't need 'big changes' - Todt

LONDON, England - Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone says he could step in and fix F1's problems, so long as FIA president Jean Todt is also on board.

As the sport's crisis deepens, played out daily in the form of never-ending negative headlines, some are even calling for Ecclestone's scalp.

Former team owner and long-time Ecclestone ally, Eddie Jordan, told BBC radio: "I think he's done a remarkable job but time has played its role and he should go."

COMBINED POWER NEEDED?

The sport has found itself watching its global popularity and audience numbers decline, but straight-jacketed by the Strategy Group when it comes to change. Many like Red Bull team chief Christian Horner believe power should be put back into the hands of Ecclestone and FIA president Jean Todt.

F1 legend Gerhard Berger agrees: "If those two could combine their power, they would have the problem quickly under control.

"That's what we need now."

Ecclestone, however, said that the way the Strategy Group is structured means that he and Todt could sweep in the necessary change - so long as Todt is on board.

He told Sky news: "At the moment, Jean (Todt) and I could do what we want. It's the way it's been set up. We've both got the same amount of votes, and the teams have got equal to one of our votes.  So if Jean and I agree something, that's how it is."

Ecclestone said the problem is that Frenchman Todt, whose low-profile, hands-off approach is in stark contrast to his predecessor Max Mosley's, is always seeking consensus.

Ecclestone said: "One person out of step and we've got problems."

Indeed, as Todt met for an rare interview in June 2015 with a group of reporters in Paris, he sounded reluctant to join Ecclestone in sorting out a crisis.

'WE ARE FACING A HEADACHE'

Todt said: "I do not believe we are facing cancer, we are facing a headache.  So we need to find a prescription for a headache, not a cure for cancer.

"I do not think F1 needs big changes."

The elusive search for consensus continues, despite many believing F1 cannot wait for a package of rule changes to be ready for 2017.

Todt is quoted by Spain's Marca ahead of the July 2015 meeting of the Strategy Group: "If we can find a good proposal that is accepted unanimously, then it could be implemented in 2016.

"Otherwise, we have until February 28, 2016 to implement the regulations for 2017."

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2015 Formula 1 season. Fresh reports every day.

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