25/11/2015
NEWS STORY
As previously reported, the Formula One Commission has rejected plans to introduce a cheaper, independent engine supply.
"The F1 Commission voted not to pursue this option at this stage," said the FIA in a statement this morning, "however, it may be reassessed after the power unit manufacturers have presented their proposal to the Strategy Group.
Whilst the proposal was accepted by the F1 Strategy Group, which is made up of the FIA, FOM and the six leading teams, it was subsequently rejected by the Formula One Commission which includes all 11 teams, eight race promoters, the FIA, Bernie Ecclestone, Pirelli, the four engine manufacturers, fuel companies and even some sponsors.
With the FIA and FOM each holding six votes, the six teams on the Strategy Group have one apiece, consequently they can never out-vote the powers that be. However, in terms of the Formula One Commission just eighteen votes are needed for a vote to pass.
As it awaits the next move from the current manufacturers, the FIA confirmed that four companies, known to include Ilmor, Mecachrome and AER, have shown interest in becoming the independent engine supplier in 2017, the new unit being a 2.2-litre V6 twin turbo with no energy recovery system.
It is widely believed that the whole independent engine move is a bluff by the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone, the main aims being to force the current manufacturers to agree to a cost-cap and also guarantee supplying a minimum number of teams, an issue raised by the ongoing Red Bull saga.
"The manufacturers, in conjunction with the FIA, will present a proposal by 15 January, 2016, that will seek to provide solutions to the above concerns," read the statement.
"The proposal will include the establishment of a minimum number of teams that a manufacturer must supply, ensuring that all teams will have access to a power unit.
"Measures will also be put forward to reduce the cost of the supply of hybrid power units for customer teams, as well as improving their noise."
"All stakeholders agreed that the developments will aim for the 2017 season at the earliest, and 2018 at the latest.
"The first meeting between the FIA and the Power Unit manufacturers on this topic will be held this week at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix."
The move by the FIA, which has more than a hint of Max Mosley about it, suggests that whilst the engine manufacturers have won the battle, in terms of the Formula One Commission's rejection, the subsequent pincer movement looks likely to sees the FIA and Ecclestone win the war.
Even if there are a few casualties.