At the press conference which followed the investigation into the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix debacle, when race leader Rubens Barrichello slowed, just yards before the finish line, handing teammate Michael Schumacher a controversial win, FIA president Max Mosley announced that any further (blatant) examples of team orders would result in a Draconian punishment.

One of the journalists present was Pitpass editor Chris Balfe, who asked Mr Mosley, how he thought the "average man in the street" would react to what had happened and the FIA's failure to punish Ferrari and its drivers.

At that point the infamous 'man down the pub' came into existence.

Mosley revealed that the FIA was to actively seek the opinion of race fans who would be encouraged to give feedback to Formula One's governing body via its website. Although race fans made use of the 'offer' nothing was ever heard of the FIA's findings.

Now, the FIA has revealed that it is to once again ask the public for its opinion of F1, and suggestions as to how it might be improved, once again via its website.

Talking to Pitpass, a spokesman for the FIA said: "Earlier this year, the FIA launched a consultation regarding the future of Formula One with all the sport's various stakeholders. It was felt that including Formula One fans in this process was vital.

"To help shape the future Formula One we want as many fans as possible to visit our website and complete the online survey."

At a time when the FIA is coming under fire for its handling of the BAR saga, not to mention the general feeling that Formula One is not interested in the view of 'the fans', this comes as a most welcome move.

The survey can be accessed by clicking here