The FIA, Bernie Ecclestone and the four F1 power unit manufacturers appear to have reached agreement on customer supplies – which means that the mooted ‘alternative’ engine for 2017 is dead.
In December Jean Todt and Bernie Ecclestone used the threat of a low cost engine running to different rules to force the manufacturers to find ways to reduce costs to customers, and also guarantee supply, so that a team like Red Bull would not find itself stuck on the future.
In order to stop the alternative engine plan being forced through – despite it being rejected by the F1 Commission in December – the manufacturers were asked to come up with ways of cutting costs and guaranteeing supplies to customers by January 15th.
If they didn’t then Todt and Bernie Ecclestone could use the mandate they were given by the World Motor Sport Council “to make recommendations and decisions regarding a number of pressing issues in Formula One such as governance, Power Units and cost reduction.”
As had been expected, it seems that the manufacturers eventually agreed on a maximum cost of €12m, although it’s understood that the lower price will only apply only from 2018.
In return the manufacturers have been guaranteed engine rules stability by the FIA until 2020, which means their investments have a longer life. There will also be a move towards standard parts, in order to cut costs.
Jean Todt had indicated last week that a deal would be reached: “I am optimistic. I hope that people have some good sense, because it’s our championship. It’s in their interests – it’s in the interests of the teams, it’s in the interests of the commercial rights holder. That’s why I think in a normal world, with sensible people, we should all be able to agree and find a good solution.”
Adam Cooper F1 
Hmm, half light.
” ….. and also guarantee supply, so that a team like Red Bull would not find itself stuck on the future.”
But, Red Bull was guaranteed an engine supply, from Renault. I dont recall RBR not being able to afford engines.
What’s changed? Is there now some mechanism that allows any team to insist a particular supplier supplies them?
Not to mention what is there to guarantee parity?
All that appears to have changed is that power unit makers won’t charge as much to the “ruled forever a backmarker” teams. It makes me laugh out loud listening to Williams spokespersons prattle on about how they are going to take the fight to Merc & Ferrari. Yeah. Ok.
Lewis Carrol would be loving these folks. George Orwell would be loving these folks.
We are still waiting to find out exactly what guarantees have been offered, but it’s clear that Honda for example will be obliged to supply other teams from 2017, if there are any takers!
As ACx said, red bull was guaranteed an engine supply for 2016, their engine supply problem was of entirely their own making.
There was never a problem of engine supply for anybody on the grid, as evidenced by Manor/Marussia being able to be on the grid, and also by STR being able to be on the grid this year, the only problem was with the shear arrogance of the red bullies.
Hopefully we won’t be hearing about engine rules for another four years, or how much noise they make, etc.
Now if we can only keep Bernie quiet, maybe we all can focus on appreciating the sport! What we have vs. what we don’t have.
Bernie and the red bullies has been isolated from the FIA by the manufacturers. FERRARI new boss is too hard a bone for them.