2017 engine plans revealed

The details regarding the proposed specification of F1’s alternative/client engines for the 2017 season have emerged in the last couple of days.

It was believed and reported several weeks ago that we would see independent outfits like Cosworth invited to bid to become the exclusive supplier of Formula One engines to customer teams. It was understood that these would be 2.2-litre twin-turbo V6 engines that within the regulations would run parallel to the existing 1.6-litre engines.

However the specifications revealed in the last 24 hours now say the new engine will be a 2.5-litre V6 or smaller, with either one or two turbochargers fitted which would produce in excess of 870 brake horsepower. These engines will have no rev limiters, no penalties for engine durability or high fuel flow, as well as no restrictions in the area of the exhaust which will give teams freedom to develop new ways for the exhaust to work and exit the car. These new engines will also have no hybrid power, this is a big step away from the image Formula One has been trying to push in the last two years.

With the introduction of the new hybrid engine era in 2014 the FIA and F1 hierarchy made it clear these new rules and regulations were implemented to make F1 more cost conscience as well as more fuel efficient to show that they care about the planet after years burning as much fuel as possible.

Mercedes have made it clear that its officials are not happy with the current plans proposed as you can see from Toto Wolff’s comments below.

“I think many of us share the opinion that the ‘balance of performance engine’ does not work. It doesn’t work in any other category,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. “We hear about the aggravation in GT racing, and it (hurts) my head in hearing these ideas.”

Toto Wolffs words have to be taken with a pinch of salt as the real thing causing his headaches is the fear Mercedes will no longer be the dominant force in the pit lane, something the team has strived towards and enjoyed for the last two seasons.

It remains to be seen whether these new engines will actually make the big step to Formula One as there needs to be stringent testing to ensure these new proposed engines are not only safe and reliable but also far more competitive than some of the engines currently used by teams.

By: Chris Laker
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