Hill believes the changes have promoted close racing

Hill backed the decision of motorsport boss Max Mosley to shake up the sport - and said it had a definite impact on the thrilling Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.

"I tried falling asleep, but I had to watch what was going on. It was a proper motor race," Hill said.

"Hats off to Max Mosley and the FIA [motorsport's governing body] for being bold enough to take these measures and I'm really pleased with the way it's turned out.

"I think qualifying has lost some of its excitement, I'm not so sure about that - but it doesn't really matter because the race itself - the thing we're all interested in - was a belter.

It was a chaotic race because of the weather conditions - it had nothing to do with the new rules Michael Schumacher

"It just shows you - shuffle the grid up and throw in a load of random factors [and you get an interesting race]."

Hill did admit that the changeable conditions also played their part in providing an exciting race - but said the rules also played their part.

"It was a little bit helped by the rain at the start, so there was an extra random factor which made it more exciting again.

"But nevertheless, everyone was having to think on their feet and second guess the situation and any one of four cars could have won that race."

F1 teams and drivers are divided on the effect of the changes.

Mixed response to F1 changes

Michael Schumacher said that the action-packed nature of the Australian race was brought about because of the weather - not the new regulations.

"The race had nothing to do with the new rules. It was a chaotic race because of the weather conditions. It was just a matter of circumstance if you have so many safety cars this is what happens."

But Mosley said the changes "must have made a contribution" to the exciting race.