Formula 1 stakeholders have reached an agreement for grand prix cars to use a new type of ‘green’ engine from 2013.
The sport will switch from the current 2.4-litre V8s to 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engines with energy recovery systems and fuel restrictions.
The move is an attempt to mirror the trend towards fuel-efficiency in road cars and to popularise it, increasing public demand for such engines.
The new rules could be confirmed by governing body the FIA on 10 December.
Mercedes and Ferrari had been reluctant to agree to the move as recently as a month ago, believing that it was an unnecessary expense at a time when F1 was trying to reduce costs.
But a spokesman for Ferrari told BBC Sport the rules had been agreed and he would be “surprised” if it was not announced by the world council.
He admitted Ferrari had concerns about the move on cost grounds but added: “An agreement is there, and when there is an agreement you work accordingly.” BBC Sport
The move is expected to increase fuel efficiency by 50% whilst the power output will remain the same, at 750bhp.
The built-in-KERS system will produce an extra 120kw, compared to next seasons 60kw, and the time restriction will likely be increased accordingly.
It’s understood several checks and balances will be written into the engine regulations to ensure no single manufacturer gains a march in terms of performance.
Meanwhile it is also understood Volkswagen have been involved in the negotiations, hinting that the German giant will enter the sport as an engine supplier in 2013 as the units will benefit their road-side development. The F1 Times
But Ecclestone admits he still has misgivings. “We have a very good engine formula. Why should we change it to something that is going to cost millions of pounds and that nobody wants and that could end up with one manufacturer getting a big advantage?”
The report said “checks and balances”, primarily through resource restriction, have been written into the new regulations to counteract those fears. ESPN F1
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