LONDON (Reuters) - Former champions McLaren criticised Formula One's governing body on Wednesday after losing their place on a key commission from 2008.

The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) said just six of the 12 competing teams, each chosen on national identity, would have a vote on its Formula One commission from 2008.

Red Bull (Austria), Renault (France), BMW (Germany), Ferrari (Italy), Honda (Japan) and Williams (Britain) were elected to the 13 member commission which must approve any changes to Formula One's sporting and technical regulations.

All the teams currently have a vote, along with representatives of engine suppliers, sponsors and tyre makers.

"Team McLaren Mercedes note the decision of the FIA to exclude the team from the 2008 Formula One commission," the team said in a statement.

"It seems surprising that the second oldest and most successful Formula One team for the past 40 years, with 148 grand prix victories, has not been included as a team representative."

The other members of the commission are five representatives of race promoters (Australia, Brazil, Hungary, Monaco and Spain) as well as the commercial rights holder and FIA.

The FIA, who want to simplify decision making in the sport after the expiry of the existing commercial agreement at the end of 2007, can expect plenty of allies on the new-look commission.

McLaren and Toyota are members of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) and have been critical of plans to freeze engine development.