New F1 engine sparks debate

For several months, the 4-cylinder 1.6 liter turbo engine has been expected as the block to make its debut in Formula 1 from the 2013 season. This weekend, BBC Sport confirms that the teams have finally reached an agreement and that the technical regulations will soon be published, on Friday December 10, during the FIA ​​World Council.

But everything has not been simple, with some teams not wishing to invest in a sector that is currently highly regulated. With the engine development freeze still in place at present, the teams no longer have to worry about it, in terms of performance criteria and expenditure items. Thus, according to the BCC, Mercedes et Ferrari would have liked to continue in the same mode of operation, wishing to remain in the era of cost reduction.

Others are opposed to this engine change, starting with Bernie Ecclestone, representative of the F1 commercial rights holders. “ We currently have a very good engine, he confided to the BBC. Why should we change knowing that it will cost millions, which no one wants, and that it risks giving a huge advantage to a manufacturer? »

But change should nevertheless happen. The manufacturers involved in F1, although fewer than in 2009 after the loss of BMW and Toyota, are above all engine manufacturers and the arrival of a new propellant can allow them to highlight their qualities.