The boss of British American Racing, David Richards, has promised grand prix fans a 'vintage' season next year after Formula 1 chiefs unveiled plans to spice up the sport.

Team bosses have given their backing to the changes, announced yesterday, to alter qualifying, ban team orders and award extra championship points.

"I suggest that next season is probably going to be vintage F1 again," said Richards, following the Formula 1 Commission meeting at Heathrow.

"I believe, personally, that it is everything that is needed, but we will have to wait for the middle of next season to see what effect it has really had.

"We are in a cyclical situation here, not the death throes of F1. We needed some change and that's what we've done in a sensible and intelligent way.

"I am sure they will work. Some cynics might suggest it is not enough, but F1 has been very successful for 20 years and doing too much might have tipped the balance too much the other way."

Fellow boss Eddie Jordan said the changes would produce a "better show, better excitement, but at the same time reduce, where appropriate, the costs".

The changes, announced by Max Mosley, president of the sport's governing body, the FIA, and grand prix ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone, fell short of the radical plans for driver swapping and weight penalties.

But the duo said action taken would stem declining interest in the sport following Ferrari's domination last season when they won 15 of the 17 races.

Drivers will have one flying qualifying lap next season and will take it in turns to go onto the track with the order determined on the Friday - the fastest will go last.

The Commission also extended the points awarded to drivers down to eighth place from the present sixth with the second-placed man picking up eight points.

Team orders have also been banned to ensure there is no repeat of the controversial finish in Austria this season when Ferrari ordered Rubens Barrichello to move over to give Michael Schumacher victory.

Teams restricting testing during the season to just ten days, will be allowed to run their spare car and third driver for two hours on the Friday morning of race weekends.