The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, the Paris-based FIA, is set to approve the new technical regulations that will govern Formula 1 from 2013.
The new engine rules are designed to reduce by up to 30% fuel consumption (from the current value of approximately 70 litres/100 km) and to force the brightest automotive technicians on the planet in a quest for greater efficiency from the vehicles we drive every day.
Following a meeting of the Formula 1 Commission in Monaco Thursday, the 2013 rules are set to be rubber-stamped when they are discussed at the FIA World Council on Friday.
Rumours say that the current engine formula will be replaced by a new set of rules. Smaller, 1.6-litre turbocharged motors that will feature extensive energy recovery devices would replace the current 2.4-litre V8 gas-gobblers.
The twin turbo, 1600cc four-cylinder engines would be limited to a boost of 3 bars and 10,000 rpm, targeting a power output of between 500 and 550 bhp. The output from the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) is expected to be increased to 112kw (150 HP) for a total of 650 to 700 bhp.
The car manufacturers still involved in F1 have been debating about the new engine rules. But Jean Todt, the President of the FIA made it very clear that the governing body would not accept any delay to the 2013 deadline.
The confirmation of the switch to 'greener' engines will greatly satisfy Todt, who has made it clear from the start of his presidency that F1 had to become more environmentally aware.
However, certain car manufacturers not currently involved in F1, such as the VAG Group would have liked F1 to allow the usage of diesel engines (as Audi masters these type of engines following several victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans).
Friday’s meeting of the World Council of Motor Sport is also likely to finalise the 2011 calendar as well as confirm modifications to next year's technical regulations, which includes the adoption of moveable rear wings, the return of KERS and bans on F-ducts and double diffusers.
The new engine rules are designed to reduce by up to 30% fuel consumption (from the current value of approximately 70 litres/100 km) and to force the brightest automotive technicians on the planet in a quest for greater efficiency from the vehicles we drive every day.
Following a meeting of the Formula 1 Commission in Monaco Thursday, the 2013 rules are set to be rubber-stamped when they are discussed at the FIA World Council on Friday.
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| Renault 1.5-litre V6 turbo engine of 1982. (Photo: WRI2) |
Rumours say that the current engine formula will be replaced by a new set of rules. Smaller, 1.6-litre turbocharged motors that will feature extensive energy recovery devices would replace the current 2.4-litre V8 gas-gobblers.
The twin turbo, 1600cc four-cylinder engines would be limited to a boost of 3 bars and 10,000 rpm, targeting a power output of between 500 and 550 bhp. The output from the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) is expected to be increased to 112kw (150 HP) for a total of 650 to 700 bhp.
The car manufacturers still involved in F1 have been debating about the new engine rules. But Jean Todt, the President of the FIA made it very clear that the governing body would not accept any delay to the 2013 deadline.
The confirmation of the switch to 'greener' engines will greatly satisfy Todt, who has made it clear from the start of his presidency that F1 had to become more environmentally aware.
However, certain car manufacturers not currently involved in F1, such as the VAG Group would have liked F1 to allow the usage of diesel engines (as Audi masters these type of engines following several victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans).
Friday’s meeting of the World Council of Motor Sport is also likely to finalise the 2011 calendar as well as confirm modifications to next year's technical regulations, which includes the adoption of moveable rear wings, the return of KERS and bans on F-ducts and double diffusers.