Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren team principal and FOTA chairman, believes a move to turbo-V6 engines would be better for the sport.
Currently, the FIA, teams and engine manufacturers are locked in a bitter battle, with some supporting the move to smaller four-cylinder turbocharged engines, whilst others are totally against the move.
Renault are one main supporter of the new formula and have even threatened to leave the sport, as an engine supplier, if the regulations aren’t introduced as planned in 2013.
However, spiralling development costs worry the other three suppliers, as does the impact on the sport from a fans’ perspective.
Whitmarsh says he would prefer the sport look to turbocharged-V6 engines as an alternative.
“We need great-sounding engines, it’s a core asset of our sport,” he told Motor Sport. “But there’s no reason why you can’t have forward-looking technology and a great sound.
“I personally feel we’ve got to seek a compromise. If it were my call I’d probably go for a turbocharged V6. I think more and more cars are going to be turbocharged.”
Sound has been highlighted by many as F1’s unique draw, the 53-year-old is of the opinion that whist V6 engines would sound different, they would still be ‘fantastic’.
“We’ve got to have high revs,” he added. “A vee engine suits the structure of an F1 car and we’ve got to have that unique sound. It might be different from today’s cars but I think it can still be fantastic.”
The FIA are expected to make a decision later this month or early next as to whether the 2013 plans are scrapped, delayed or pushed forward.
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