GRAND PRIX racing is poised to shoot itself in the foot if ill considered changes to the technical regulations governing car construction are introduced for 1998.

Ferrari, one of the richest F1 teams, is understood to be blocking a planned change of heart the new rules for next season despite overwhelming opposition from their rivals.

In an effort to provide even better racing, the sport's governing body some months ago adopted a recommendation that much narrower cars be used in 1998. The main reason for this was to ensure that the cars developed less aerodynamic downforce and would, therefore, have their cornering speeds reduced. In addition, the adoption of threaded tyres instead of smooth slicks would have significantly reduced tyre grip.

Under these rules the cars' maximum width would be reduced from 200cm to 180cm - 5cm narrower than a Formula Three car. Apart from anything else, most insiders believe this new generation of Fl car would look visually out of proportion.

The constructors have now had second thoughts on the wisdom of these changes and would prefer to leave the cars substantially unchanged, justifying the change of heart by arguing that continual changes to the rules favours the richest teams. The more the rules are unchanged, it is argued, the greater the chance of the smaller teams closing the gap to the leaders.

The first three races of the year have produced signs of a broad ranging level of competition at the front of the field and, although Jacques Villeneuve in the Williams must be regarded as world championship favourite, the overwhelmingly strategic nature of the racing in this first season of the Goodyear versus Bridgestone tyre war has added a welcome element of unpredictability.

Bernie Ecclestone, the FIA's vice president, who is the commercial power behind grand prix racing's global television coverage, does not want this state of affairs needlessly disrupted.

"I really believe that there is no proof that narrowing the cars down, will do what we want it to do," he said in Argentina last week. "If it is wrong and it's not an advantage, for sure everyone will change. The threaded tyres will be introduced. The only thing that's under discussion is whether we shall keep the same width.

"Every time we change something, the guys with the money no problem, let's change and the other guys are struggling. So I think you'll find after 1998 there will be no need, from a safety aspect, to do anything.