Formula One news

Engine freeze rule to be changed?

Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali has suggested that changes could be made to the engine freeze rule which currently sees the majority of engine specifications on the grid frozen in development since the start of 2007. The Italian has explained that the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) is preparing to discuss the matter.

The pause on engine development started at the beginning of the 2007 season in a attempt to lower the sport's running costs although, with Renault have been granted special permission to catch up on power stakes last winter and Mercedes now believed to be moving ahead of its rivals, FOTA is reconsidering the regulation.

Former colleagues Domenicali and Brawn in discussion at Spa

"For sure, this is something that we are discussing in the engine working group," Domenicali said, as all teams plus the FIA must agree on such a modification to rules. "With all respect, we understand that we have seen a great performance from the Mercedes engine but, as always before giving the final sentence on that, we need to see the numbers and the power curve and everything connected to that - it's a point which is on the table to discuss between the teams."

Brawn GP Team Principal Ross Brawn views the scenario from a different angle, however, believing that performances will always vary regardless of the freeze and that an equalisation is not a rapid solution. "I think it's inevitable that whoever's got the strongest engine will have people saying that," he commented. "It's just impossible to have absolute parity on the engines."

more news

• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas

Homepage