Adam Cooper F1

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 15^th.

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.”

A “driver of the day” award voted for by fans was one of the innovations discussed by the F1 Strategy Group meeting in Geneva yesterday, and subsequently by the F1 Commission today.

It’s under understood that fans will be invited to choose the best driver performance and best overtaking move at each race, via social media. In the early 1970s Marlboro backed the Prix Rouge et Blanc Jo Siffert Award for the “underdog” drive of the day. Although it wasn’t formally sanctioned by the governing body, it was regarded as as prestigious achievement at the time.

In addition to the driver of the day award there will be another for best overtaking move, also voted for by fans. A pit stop challenge is to be introduced, with a trophy for the fastest team of mechanics.

No more details have emerged as yet, and it’s not clear whether both prizes will be introduced for this season.

They follow on from a pattern established by the FIA Pole Position trophy, and the DHL Fastest Lap Award. The latter suggests suggests that naming rights for any new prize might also be taken up by a partner of Formula One Management.

The main subject of discussion this week involved engines (see next story). Meanwhile plans for a return to refuelling didn’t gain any traction, and there is ongoing talk about the race weekend format.

Aston Martin hasn’t ruled out a future involvement with Force India, despite no deal being concluded for 2016.

The Silverstone team had been hoping to carry Aston’s branding this season.

“We’ve kept the communications open with Force India with no commitments on either side,” the car maker’s head of global marketing and communications Simon Sproule told this writer. “We liked the team at Force India and found much in common in the way we think about engineering and racing.”

Yesterday Force India’s COO Otmar Szafnauer made it clear that there would be no deal this year: “It’s a big step, and it’s flattering that Aston Martin have been talking to us. We’re still discussing. In the short term, meaning 2016, I don’t see that type of re-branding happening. But you never know what the future holds thereafter.”

Aston’s interest in an F1 sponsorship deal became public knowledge in July, and after initial talks with Red Bull fizzled out the company talked to other teams, with Force India emerging as the most logical candidate.

Aston always insisted that any decision on a future motor sport strategy had to incorporate its sportscar racing plans. The biggest issue has always been that the company does not have the budget with which to make an impact in F1, despite the obvious appeal for both sides.

David Coulthard will be part of Channel 4’s F1 commentary team in 2016, the broadcaster has confirmed.

C4’s coverage will be produced by Whisper Films, a company co-owned by Coulthard and former BBC F1 anchorman Jake Humphrey, opening up the obvious possibility of the latter becoming part of the new team. It’s understood that his contract to present football for BT Sport would allow him to double up.

Whisper won the deal after C4 conducted a tender process. The broadcaster also has a minority stake in Whisper, which it acquired last year.

A C4 statement noted: “As well as demonstrating significant innovation and creativity in their approach to producing Formula 1 coverage, included within Whisper Film’s winning pitch was the signing of a number of key production personnel and presenters with extensive experience in the sport. These include Mark Wilkin, the editor of the BBC’s award-winning F1 coverage, as programme editor.”

Coulthard said: “This is an exciting time for the sport and an exciting time for Whisper Films. The F1 World has been incredibly impressed with what Whisper has delivered over the last five years and Channel 4’s decision is testament to that. I’m looking forward to being part of an exciting new era for Formula One, with Whisper Films and our proven level of creativity and innovation very much at the heart of that.”