Frye: “At some point a necessity” to attract new engine manufacturers

Chevrolet and Honda currently share the peloton regarding engine supply in IndyCar Series, and this, as a duo since 2013 after the departure of Lotus.

A situation which could change in the years to come, with the American championship hoping for the arrival of a new engine manufacturer. A subject that Jay Frye, president of the IndyCar Series, returned to on the sidelines of the Alabama Grand Prix.

« At some point it will not become a luxury, but a necessity as we grow, explains the manager, in comments reproduced on the official website of the discipline. We're not at that point yet, but we're getting closer, so we're excited to see who the next [engine maker] will be.

It's a huge program. They have to build engines. The ones we're talking to now want to build their own engines, so that's a key indicator when you're talking about someone's commitment. It's definitely a timing issue right now, so we're working on that. »

The IndyCar Series must also overhaul the technical regulations in 2021, with blocks offering a higher displacement (2,4 l compared to 2,2 l currently) and increased power. With this in mind, the possible arrival of a new engine manufacturer could modify the initial schedule.

“Obviously Chevrolet and Honda are very keen to bring another one in, continues Frye. Therefore, if another one came along and it was a delay or a different situation, anything could be possible. »

Engine manufacturers Chevrolet and Honda are now only focused on the development of their twin-turbo units, following the move to a universal aerodynamic kit, integrated into the Dallara chassis, since the sidelining of kits specifically studied by the manufacturers at the end of 2017.