BMW Motorsport boss Mario Theissen, has reiterated his desire to see Formula One retain it current 3-litre V10 formula, rather than move to a 2.4 litre V8 format.

The change has been proposed by the FIA in its attempts to cut costs and speeds in F1. At a meeting in Paris with FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting, the manufacturers put forward their own proposals which included retaining the current engine format.

"Regarding the proposed engine regulations there are still different ideas," says Theissen. "We prefer to keep the 3-litre V10 format in connection with an increased engine mileage and restrictions in materials and design that have already agreed upon by all manufacturers."

Several manufacturers, namely BMW, Mercedes and Toyota are concerned at the introduction of the rule whereby engines have to last for two race weekends, as opposed to one, as is currently the case. It's understood that the manufacturers have suggested that new engines be fitted early on Saturday morning and that these are used for the remainder of the weekend, in addition to the two Friday practice sessions at the next Grand Prix. Of course the teams wouldn't necessarily have to run in the subsequent Friday free-practice sessions.

Theissen believes that 'cost-wise' the 3.0 litre format is more effective, especially when compared to designing a new engine. "This package would lead to a clear reduction in costs, and the engine and chassis manufacturers would not be forced to design all-new concepts. The engine performance would also be reduced."

When announcing Ford's decision to withdraw from F1, Richard Parry-Jones said that the "so-called cost reduction" as a result of the introduction of the 2.4 litre V8 format would only benefit the bigger, well-funded teams."

In the wake of Ford's announcement, there are serious fears that should the FIA force through its proposals several more manufacturers could opt to 'up sticks' and leave F1.