The FIA is expected to confirm a new ‘green’ engine formula for Formula One next week which will come into effect for the 2013 season.
Presently the sport uses 2.4 litre V8’s but, in an attempt to mirror the shift in fuel efficient engines seen on the roads, the sport will adopt 1.6 litre, four-cylinder turbo engines which will feature a more powerful energy recovery system similar to the current KERS.
Two key engine suppliers, Ferrari and Mercedes, had expressed some concern over the new power unit, describing it as an unnecessary cost, but a spokesman for the Italian team told the BBC: “An agreement is there, and when there is an agreement you work accordingly.”
The move is expected to increase fuel efficiency by 50% whilst the power output will remain the same, at 750bhp.
The built-in-KERS system will produce an extra 120kw, compared to next seasons 60kw, and the time restriction will likely be increased accordingly.
It’s understood several checks and balances will be written into the engine regulations to ensure no single manufacturer gains a march in terms of performance.
Meanwhile it is also understood Volkswagen have been involved in the negotiations, hinting that the German giant will enter the sport as an engine supplier in 2013 as the units will benefit their road-side development.
