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Three Engines per Season. The Radical Plan for Formula 1

In a desperate attempt to block the implementation of an independent engine in Formula 1 from 2017, the carmakers have come up with their own proposals to cut costs.
Formula 1 Australian GP 2016 1 photo
Photo: Facebook Page of the Australian Grand Prix
Firstly, they all have to agree on these proposals by January 15, 2016, so they can be presented to the FIA. Secondly, a final decision will be made only after its governing body analyzes if these are effective enough to end F1’s cost-cutting problems.

Currently, the manufacturers are focusing on three main areas that are thought to be the most important ones. The first, and maybe the most radical one, is to try to extend the life of the power units so that only three will be necessarily per season. This also has a downside because using one engine for approximately seven races will force the use of less sophisticated materials and will affect the engine’s efficiency.

The second area concentrates on stopping any investment made in parts from the power unit that have nowhere to develop anymore.

The third and last refers to making a list of standard parts that could be delivered by only one supplier but still let the carmakers decide for other electrical motor systems.

Ultimately, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and Renault all agreed with the total elimination of the MGU-H, the unit that captures waste heat from the exhaust turbocharger. Honda, on the other hand, refused to agree with this because the Japanese company strongly believes this part is very important for its presence in F1.

According to Motorsport, Yasuhisa Arai, Honda’s motorsport chief, recently stated that one of the reasons why Honda entered the Formula 1 championship was to develop hybrid technology, and it would no longer have a reason to stay if this technology were banned.

After the recent climate agreement reached in Paris, Ferrari is also reconsidering and insists on continuing the development of hybrid technology.

Removing particular parts from the power units might bring back the naturally aspirated engines, that most fans still miss, but this move is seen as a step back by Ferrari’s President Sergio Marchionne, especially in light of the recent agreement for reducing the emissions, and Formula 1 must adapt.

All this activity surrounding F1 comes after FIA’s president Jean Todt empowered Bernie Ecclestone to make changes in order to reduce costs and improve the governance structure.
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