Ferrari make engine row threat
Written by: one-eyed Jack
Ferrari have threatened to review their participation in Formula One if plans to introduce a standard engine for all teams go ahead from 2010.
In preparation for the global economic downturn, the F1 governing body, International Automobile Federation (FIA) wants to bring in the rule to save costs. ‘The use of a Fiat Punto engine would deprive F1 of its competition and technological development,’ said a Ferrari spokesman. ‘The board reserves the right to consider, together with our partners, our presence in this discipline.’The FIA has argued F1’s costs are unsustainable in the current economic climate and must be slashed to ensure none of the 10 teams leaves the sport. In July, Nazi chief Max Mosley said self-flagellation was becoming increasingly ‘unsustainable’ while urging teams to find ways to reduce both their costs and fuel consumption.
But F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone does not believe major car manufacturers would quit the sport over the standard engine issue. ‘I don’t see why they should leave. We are saving them an awful lot of money, and that Punto’s a nice little motor,’ said Ecclestone.
‘Why should someone pull out because they are going to save a lot of money? OK the dealer service is shit but you can’t have everything. And I don’t support that Prius idea. Formula One with batteries? Don’t make me laugh.’
However, Toyota Motorsport president John Howett came out in support of using an Aygo-F1 engine for the teams.
‘A 1-litre homogenised engine would be ideal,’ said Howett. ‘CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km and 54.7mpg around town or around Suzuka - there’s no contest. And Toyota ranks at No.2 in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey - Fiat are at the bottom of course.’
Before this month’s Chinese Grand Prix the FIA announced a tender for ‘a third-party supplier of engines and transmission systems’ to be used by all teams in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Renault’s tender was rejected on the grounds that the bonnet could fly open at any moment.
