The FIA recently released a summary of the 2014 regulations which outlines plans for an all-electric mode to be used in the pit lane at all times.
Whilst the governing body is keen to push the sports green credentials, the teams say they are yet to come to an opinion on whether they support the idea.
Most recently the teams and engine manufacturers went against plans to introduce a four-cylinder engine from 2013 onwards. That resulted in the abandoning of such a power unit, instead replacing it with a V6 unit from 2014.
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali says the teams haven’t ruled out a similar fight over the new electric-mode if it goes against the sport, but he admitted they were still undecided on its benefits.
“There are different opinions on that [the all-electric pit mode]. As you know, there are some manufacturers that are keen to go ahead with this project,” he said on Friday. “Some others fear that, not from a technical point of view, just from a show point of view, it is something that we need to make sure that the sport is happy for.”
The Italian says time still remains for the matter to be discussed.
“This is a topic that in my view, because of the situation that it is for 2014, it can still be discussed, we have the time to discuss it in a proper way. There are different opinions on this subject because on one side there is the technical aspect and on the other side there is the sport and the passion.
“You may say that in the pit lane, with no noise, it would be difficult for the people to perceive the passion that Formula One is all about. On the other side, you may say that Formula One has to be the pinnacle of motor sport in terms of new developments and research and so this goes in the opposite direction. I think this is something that we will discuss.”
Domenicali also acknowledged the possible dangers presented by silent cars running at upwards of 60mph in close proximity to engineers and team personnel.
“This is [a] possible [danger], because on the main straight you could have cars that are running normally with the engine on, so this is a factor that is under consideration. It’s an element of consideration, for sure.”
Discussion about this post