F1 to Switch to ‘Greener’ Tyres from 2013

December 6, 2010

An agreement is believed to have been made between Formula One stakeholders for Grand Prix cars to utilize a new type of ‘green’ engine from 2013.

The current 2.4-litre V8s will be replaced by 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo engines which have energy recovery systems and fuel restrictions. The move has the aim of increasing public demand for such engines following the trend towards fuel-efficiency in road cars. The new regulations may be confirmed by governing body the FIA on 10th December.

Both Mercedes and Ferrari were thought to have been reluctant to agree to the switch as they felt that it was an unnecessary expense at a time when F1 was trying to reduce costs. However, A Ferrari spokesman stated that the rules had been agreed and he would be ‘surprised’ if it was not announced by the FIA World Council.

The new rules have been established in the hope that the efficiency of F1 engines can be improved by as much as 50%. Relevant caution has been taken to ensure the performance of cars will not be affected and total power outputs will remain at current levels – approximately 750bhp in tests and negotiations that have spanned over months. The switch looked as though it may have been delayed until 2014 and was even rumoured to have been put back as late as 2017.

It is believed that the regulations will go before the F1 Commission – a group of stakeholders that agrees all rule changes – on Thursday 9th December before being rubber-stamped by the World Council the following day. Increasing the future sustainability of F1 was made a keen aim by F1 teams’ organisation FOTA and FIA president Jean Todt with recent developments seen as a triumph by both.