In order to significantly reduce costs in Formula 1, one team suggests that the older, normally aspirated V8s should be allowed to race against the new V6 turbo hybrid power units.
Bob Fernley, Force India deputy team principal, made the suggestion, as reported Tuesday by British motorsport magazine Autosport. It is known that Bernie Ecclestone is pushing for the sport to return to the 2.4-litre V8s fitted with KERS. On the other hand, the engine manufacturers would like to see the power of their 1.6-litre turbo hybrids reach the magical number of 1,000 bhp.
Fernley says why not having both engine formulas at the same time? "I think it is reasonably clear that the V6 hybrid is clearly the engine of choice for the manufacturers," Fernley told Autosport. "It is going to be around and it is a great engine - we are showing that. "However, I think that looking at an alternative parity engine, using maybe a V8 with KERS that is much more affordable for the independent teams, has a lot of merit." Fernley says that adapting the technical rules would guarantee parity between the two engines. "The manufacturers want to develop the hybrid engines. They have got a great marketing opportunity," he said. "Our concern is about cost control and I think as long as we can get reasonable parity, I think it is a very good initiative." Fernley suggested that the idea would save customer teams half of the "significant" amount [he mentioned 50%] they are currently spending on engines. "We are not there [in Formula 1] to market engines." During its 65-year history, F1 has allowed turbo (or compressor) engines and atmospheric motors to battle together on several occasions. Recent Articles
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