F1 Risks Loosing Engine Manufacturers

[cosworth151]

They were V8 Fords, Chevys, etc.

I want them to open wheel again.

Hope is alive again, though. Tony is back on the board of Hulman & Co. 

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130322/indycar/130329913#ixzz2PbDfIZqL

[F1fanaticBD]

I don't care what kind of engines they run, I want variety in cars, engines

Agree with you Lonny, I think that is where F1 makes itself unique, with each regulation changes they are forcing teams to keep away from such ventures   

[Cam]

Bernie doesn't give a toss about the new engines, he's just trying to put pressure on the FIA (read JT) because the FIA reckon they should get some more money out of the sport.

The new power plants are going to add a new level of technical interest to the sport.  They are complex bits of kit and it will be fantastic watching the engineers coming to grips with getting the best out of them, including the performance differentials that result.  My 5c worth is that in a few years there will be more engine manufacturers in the sport than there are now, due to the renewed technical interest.

And at 700 odd hp I reckon we will probably still need ear plugs at the track too!

[Willy]

F1 is supposed to be the pinnacle of motor racing world wide.

To me, this means the best drivers, engineering, car design, engine manufacturers and tracks all racing each other.
The more the engine makers bow out and the sport waters down the engine regulations, the less others will want to be involved what with the costs involved.
Indy Car and Le Mans are viable and less expensive options for the other guys with out the perceived lack of return on investment.

[John S]

Funny how when Cosworth DFV ruled in F1 and the only other half competitive engine was the Ferrari, bit parts were played by BRM, and Alfa amongst others , I don't remember a big fuss.

In time it sorted itself out again and more engine makers joined F1 - but crucially the change that brought in new engine builders was, horror of horrors, .........turbos.   

[Alianora La Canta]

Back then, John, the financing of F1 wasn't quite so dependent on manufacturers. They were paid money to participate, not the other way round...

[cosworth151]

It's a question of the stability of the engine supply. There also was no question of Cosworth remaining long term. F1 engines were their main business. Merc, Renault and other road car builders are in it strictly for advertising. They are there for the prestige and glamor that F1 brings to their brand. They will leave F1 whenever it no longer serves that purpose. It has nothing to do with any real-world engineering benefits, just perception and PR.

And, let's face it, turbo minivans are neither prestigious nor glamorous.

[lkjohnson1950]

To the best of my knowledge, there are no turbo minivans. 

[cosworth151]

Not yet. They are scheduled to arrive next season.

The Grid Girls will be replaced by Soccer Moms in honor of the change.

[John S]

It's a question of the stability of the engine supply. .

Phooey!  It's about the racing, surely?   

Teams have always managed to find engines for their cars, I've never heard of a team having to give up racing because no one is willing to sell them or prepare an engine. Them not having the money to buy, or lease, a competitive engine is a different matter, we've seen plenty of that. 

[lkjohnson1950]

Not yet. They are scheduled to arrive next season.

No, those will be turbocharged, hybrid racing cars. 

[Philbe]

Not a turbo but its a hybrid...  .

And I completely agree with whats already been mentioned. Yup..F1 cars will have engines that make them go fast..and isn't that all that matters.

[cosworth151]

Teams have always managed to find engines for their cars, I've never heard of a team having to give up racing because no one is willing to sell them or prepare an engine.

Mike Shank, who's operation is based a little north of my home. Michael Shank Racing (MSR) won the 24 Hours of Daytona last season. Mike was all set to go Indy racing. He had cars, spares, a driver, everything except an engine supply. IndyCar was making the switch from naturally aspirated V8's to Turbo minivan engines, with three suppliers lined up (Sound familiar?) There were no engines to be had, at any price. Even established teams, like Sarah Fisher / Hartman Racing, had a hard time securing engines.

[Jericoke]

Teams have always managed to find engines for their cars, I've never heard of a team having to give up racing because no one is willing to sell them or prepare an engine. Them not having the money to buy, or lease, a competitive engine is a different matter, we've seen plenty of that. 

In 2005 when F1 switched from V10 to the current V8 formula, Minardi claimed they could not continue in the sport if they were required to pay for a supply of V8 engines.  The FIA issued a special dispensation for Minardi to run rev limited V10 engines.  (Of course, Minardi sold out to become Toro Rosso, but that's a whole other can of worms.)

Will Caterham and Marussia be issued a special dispensation or be forced to pay for new engine development? 

[markfarrell9572]

Renault pushed for these engines,  Ferrari and Mercedes are commited, Cosworth just don't seem to have a customer for theirs if they are planning one.  Honda are believed to be re-entering the sport, as are Toyota with lexus branding. How is this losing manufacturers?  Mr E, for whatever reason, seems to dislike these engines.  They seem a done deal, so instead of continuously finding ways to talk down the sport he promotes and males a fortune from,maybe he should concentrate his energies on being positive and talking the sport up, and the "green" credentials of the 2014 power units.  Either that, or keep his opinions to himself.