FIA invite tenders for single engine

Eurosport - Sat, 18 Oct 11:30:00 2008

Formula One's governing body has said it intends to change the rules to force teams to use a standard engine from 2010 as part of a cost-cutting drive.

FORMULA 1 - 2007 Ferrari engine - 0

The FIA issued a statement announcing a tender for "a third-party supplier of engines and transmission systems" to be used by all teams in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The tender process comes ahead of a meeting scheduled between FIA president Max Mosley and the Formula One Teams Association in Geneva after this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.

The FIA has argued that the costs of F1 are unsustainable in the current economic climate and must be slashed to ensure none of the 10 teams leave the sport.

"The FIA intends to amend the regulations to require all Formula One competitors to use a standardised engine," said a spokesman, adding however that teams would be allowed to build it themselves.

"The provider will set out a detailed design for a standardised engine and either supply it in full working order or the detailed design in order to enable competitors to build their own standardised engine," he added.

"Where they want to build all or part of a standardised engine, the appointed provider will assist the FIA to ensure that all engines and parts have been built in accordance with the approved providers' designs and allow a performance output within a prescribed range."

The statement may be seen within the paddock as part of a familiar carrot-and-stick approach by the FIA to persuade the teams to swallow a more palatable alternative.

In the agenda for the Geneva meeting, a third option envisaged manufacturers supplying independent teams with a complete powertrain - engine and gearbox - package for less than five million euros per team, per season.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone backed the FIA's standard engine stance and rejected suggestions that it might push some manufacturers towards the exit.

"We're trying to get a level playing field," he said. "I don't see why [manufacturers] should leave, we're saving them an awful lot of money I hope.

"All the technical things will still be there: they can show all of their talent."

Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, who owns the Force India team, and Toro Rosso's co-owner Gerhard Berger were also supportive.

"As an independent team, I'm very happy to see things moving. I think everybody is starting to realise that we are in a very difficult situation... it's very important to move quickly," Berger said.

"Obviously the FIA have put down some proposals with the tender but hopefully FOTA can put forward some reasonable and good possibilities.

"I'm sure in the end they're going to be the best, the cheapest and most reasonable conclusion to fulfil the needs of the manufacturers and the situation."

The last independent engine manufacturer in the sport was Cosworth, who powered former champions Williams in 2006.

Others who might be interested in the tender include France-based Mecachrome, who powered Williams a decade ago, and the Ilmor Engineering operation that was once part of McLaren-Mercedes.

Crash.Net / Eurosport

Comment 56 - 75 of 115

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  1. ANT WHOS ALNSO, DONT YOU MEAN THAT SPLOIT BRAT

    From I TYSON, on Sat 18 Oct 9:59AM

  2. IF THIS GOES THROUGH ! IT'S BY BY FORMULA 1

    From I TYSON, on Sat 18 Oct 9:58AM

  3. Max and Bernie , how about the Perkins diesel as fitted to the London taxi ? Now that's cheap and cheerful !It's formula one Jim , but not as we know it.

    From Ian, on Sat 18 Oct 9:28AM

  4. what an absolute joke. F1 will die for sure. the teams who are manufactures will pull out........ why race with the same engine. this is about who is superior. not a formula ford race.............. absolute idiots max and bernie.

    they could simply say your engine must last 6 races and that will surely cut costs in 1 foul swoop.
    they dont need to say only 1 engine it B@llOcks

    From kartinginfo@..., on Sat 18 Oct 8:56AM

  5. DOUBLE WORLD CHAMP ALONSO TO WIN AGAIN WITH SKILL

    PLUS PERFECT STRATEGY FROM THE PIT LANE

    From antoninnia, on Sat 18 Oct 7:26AM

  6. not only the engines max has all ready said in a rather condescending way imo that the fans (us)are only interested in the shiny body bits.he wants to see the suspension/brakes standardized as well.

    From MGA, on Sat 18 Oct 7:26AM

  7. Probably Ferrarri engines,comtrolled from Italy

    From DAVID, on Sat 18 Oct 6:17AM

  8. This is tantamount to blasphemy. It totally goes against the spirit of F1. It is pathetic and will make F1 no different then any other auto racing when it should be the pinnacle and about creativity and pushing the limits.

    From Wellversed, on Sat 18 Oct 5:23AM

  9. Lets see the next thing will be spec transmissions, spec aero aerodynamics and lastly spec STIG.

    From Sean, on Sat 18 Oct 1:33AM

  10. bye bye f1 may you rest in peace

    From mark c, on Sat 18 Oct 1:19AM

  11. Let's face facts people. F1 is won in qualifying and can only be lost on race day. With the current aero packages, passing is all but impossible, even with a superior car. Big wings make huge amounts of turbulence, which hinder passing. Limit the aero and let's find out who can build a better engine and who can really drive!

    From Zamboniman, on Fri 17 Oct 11:55PM

  12. NASCAR - Open-Wheel Spec how long until they add an Oval?

    From Insane Trebloc, on Fri 17 Oct 10:35PM

  13. rook211v: Stop talking sense, this is F1 and logical thinking like that just won't do, no matter how right you are

    From ginger_gitt, on Fri 17 Oct 10:11PM

  14. a cr@p idea from a dictator. looks like 2009 will be my last year for f1. mind you looks like 2009 will BE the last year for F1

    From shocking, on Fri 17 Oct 9:08PM

  15. Cost-cutting for F1...Here's a novel idea, how bout they stop changing the F'n rules every year!?! V10's - V8's, grooved tires - none grooved, extra aero peices - no extar aero peices, all that R&D is what makes it so expensive!

    From rook211v, on Fri 17 Oct 8:52PM

  16. Why cant they just set a BHP at the flywheel figure and be done with it insted of a single engine for all teams. To me it would make more sence to specify a set figure and allow the teams to decide the best way to produce that figure whether it be small 4 pots with turbos of larger cc V's

    From racingshed, on Fri 17 Oct 8:45PM

  17. Spec engines??? Please this is the worst idea yet. Maybe they'll put the engine building up for bid, I could see all the teams driving cars powered by Daewoo or Hyundai.

    From lab_rat1316, on Fri 17 Oct 7:59PM

  18. Totally ludicrous! Next they will implement the ''chase''for the championship!

    From x, on Fri 17 Oct 7:57PM

  19. If F1 goes to a spec engine I may as well become a NASCAR fan or give up on motorsports altogether. Actually I may just go back to watching sedan and sports car racing. Some of the best racing anyway if F1 becomes a spec series. This idea is stupid.

    From Ron D, on Fri 17 Oct 7:44PM

  20. Every one is critical about A1 GP, but isnt racing about the skill of the driver, lets see how the great teams do when they cant just put there foot down on the long straights to over take.
    Comments say about how much Moseley and Eclestone bring into F1, maybe we should ask how much they are taking out. What incentives are going around to start new GPs at the cost to other tracks that lose their places. Turkey and China use their track once a year how is that cost effective (maybe its the slave labour)

    From Rob, on Fri 17 Oct 7:42PM
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