• 2013 season

Ecclestone worried 2013 engines could mute F1's appeal

Bernie Ecclestone is worried F1 could lose its appeal with the loss of V8 engines © Getty Images

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Bernie Ecclestone has become the latest high-profile figure to express concerns about the sound Formula One engines will make once a new 1.6 litre, four-cylinder engine formula is introduced in 2013.

The FIA is pushing ahead with plans for more frugal, smaller capacity, turbocharged engines that will see the current V8s scrapped. Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said recently that for "the top class of racing", 1.6 litre, four-cylinder power plants "sounds a bit pathetic". Triple world champion Niki Lauda agreed: "I am worried about the sound, which in formula one has been so unique ... Hopefully there will be more than a faint hum."

Ecclestone has admitted that he too is worried about the new exhaust note.

"I don't care whether it's 1.6 or 1.8 litre engines - I'm worried about the sound," he is quoted by motorline.cc. "If we lose the sound of Formula One, we will be losing a great deal."

But FIA president Jean Todt believes there is no cause for concern and insists that it is vital that F1 pushes ahead with the new engines.

"I can guarantee that the formula one cars for the 2013 season will be very exciting and produce a great sound. The development of the industry in the past years has been bringing safety and environmental awareness to the foreground, and the car manufacturers have made great progress in both areas.

"With the new rules, the FIA wants to send a strong message about Formula One. It is the pinnacle of motor sport and the smaller engine is very important for the manufacturers."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.