29/06/2004
NEWS STORY
In his determination to push through a whole raft of changes, intended at reducing costs, cutting speeds, increasing safety and increasing F1's popularity, FIA President Max Mosley has effectively told WilliamsF1's engine partner, BMW, that it can 'like it or lump it'.
The German manufacturer had previously threatened to quit F1 if the discipline was to change to a 2.4 litre V8 engine configuration. The company believes that this will not significantly reduce costs, indeed it would initially increase them, and would not be good for F1's image.
BMW argues that the best way to reduce costs would be to extend the life of the engine, from the current one race weekend, to as many as four or five.
Speaking following the meeting of the Formula One commission, Mr Mosley said that if BMW is unhappy with the idea of a 2.4 litre V8 configuration, the solution is straightforward.
"In the end it's a question of whether they want to be in Formula One or not," he said. "I think if the majority go one way, it may be like that."
"I think probably it will come down to V8s," he added.
BMW has yet to comment.