Engine Regs softened

[Scott]

Good news for Renault and Ferrari, however I am inclined to agree with JV's statement at the end.  But what other Team Principal isn't in it JUST for their own team?  I think none.

http://www.gptoday.com/full_story/view/511015/Mercedes_rivals_can_develop_engines_inseason/

[J.Clark]

I agree 100% with JV's comment.  I imagine too that any team principle would like to have things their way all of the time.

I do however, think that the developmental ban is hog-wash.  What is the point, if not to maximize the potential of every aspect of the car, including the power unit?  F1 is supposed to be about innovation, development and extracting every once of horsepower and performance from the car.  I have never like the idea of banning in-season testing and development.

[Jericoke]

I agree 100% with JV's comment.  I imagine too that any team principle would like to have things their way all of the time.

I do however, think that the developmental ban is hog-wash.  What is the point, if not to maximize the potential of every aspect of the car, including the power unit?  F1 is supposed to be about innovation, development and extracting every once of horsepower and performance from the car.  I have never like the idea of banning in-season testing and development.

I don't normally disagree with JV, but here I will.  We know that Bernie won't be running F1 forever, and when he finally departs, there will be a scramble to take over.  Someone who has shown to act 'for the good of Formula One' might find themselves with a leg up.  Thus I assert that Horner might be looking at his own interests even ahead of Red Bull's.  So I 90% agree, but allow for that 10%.

As for the engine regs, I was under the impression they were set through extensive negotiation with the engine suppliers.  Bottom line was that Mercedes had to hit a price point, and they said that they would need to sell X engines at that price without extra R/D costs. 

[John S]

I'm not sure this will yield such a big advantage to Renault & Ferrari, Mercedes will be free to develop their power unit as well. Having whooped the others already we may just see their advantage extended. 

Good news though that some development is being allowed, not since the days of the Ford DFV have we seen such a gap to the must have engine.

 

[cosworth151]

Bernie seems to think we can rid the sport of the politically correct kitten cars altogether in 2016. I hope he's right.

http://www.racer.com/f1/item/111934-f1-we-can-force-engine-changes-for-2016-ecclestone-warns

[Jericoke]

Bernie seems to think we can rid the sport of the politically correct kitten cars altogether in 2016. I hope he's right.

http://www.racer.com/f1/item/111934-f1-we-can-force-engine-changes-for-2016-ecclestone-warns

I agree with putting crowd pleasing engines in cars.

However, are Honda, Mercedes or Renault interested in spending money on new R&D? 

[Scott]

They just need to pull out the old V8 blocks and put them through a bit of development is all.  Hardly any R&D except to attach them to the new ERS system.

[Jericoke]

They just need to pull out the old V8 blocks and put them through a bit of development is all.  Hardly any R&D except to attach them to the new ERS system.

Not sure Honda wants anything to do with their old V8...

[cosworth151]

Not sure Honda wants anything to do with their old V8...

Maybe Cosworth will bring theirs back.

[Scott]

Not sure Honda wants anything to do with their old V8...

Good point 

[Alianora La Canta]

This is what happens when the FIA neglects to write rules properly. Engine sorbet does not impress me, especially when half the paddock thinks it's still fully-frozen...

[lkjohnson1950]

Always difficult to predict the outcome of a change like Bernie is proposing, but in the past Renault and Mercedes have said that if the new engines go, so do they.