• 2013 season

Fresh doubts over 2013 engine regs

Teams are starting to question whether replacing the current V8 engines is such a good idea © Sutton Images

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Some members of the F1 paddock are starting to question the logic behind changing from the current V8 engines to four-cylinder turbos in 2013.

The FIA has already passed the new rules that should see engine capacity cut back and green technologies such as KERS make up for lost power. The teams initially agreed to the new regulations, but concerns about the cost of redesigning the engine are starting to emerge.

The FIA is set to meet with engine manufacturers to discuss the changes in Barcelona and Bernie Ecclestone, who has referred to the new formula as a "joke", believes the suppliers' message should be clear.

"The FIA made its decision based on false assumptions, without considering the side effects," said Ecclestone. "The manufacturers and the teams need to go to the FIA and say they have thought about it and concluded that while the decision seemed right then, from today's perspective it is wrong."

Ferrari has also spoken out against the four-cylinder engine plan in recent months as it would have little relevance to the company's road cars. But Renault boss Eric Boullier told the official F1 website that any decision must be based on what is good for the sport as a whole, not its individual members.

"The question is can we afford such a change? Formula One must stop thinking of ego wars or securing influence," he said. "We should think more about how to improve Formula One. If we have to stick to the V8 because in the end we can't afford the change, because we cannot reproduce the sound that the fans want, then we should stick with the V8 - or at least wait a little bit before moving to something new.

"But I also see the truth in the debate that Formula One was always seen as a technological frontrunner, which could be used as some kind of laboratory for manufacturers. I don't want to stick too much into this debate because the world has changed and the manufacturers have a different position now than they used to have. All in all it is important that we don't take the wrong decision in terms of the sport's fans and its future."

Even Mercedes sounds less sure about the new rules, concerned that with Renault not committing to F1 for the long term it may have to supply more customer teams.

"We cannot do that," said Norbert Haug. "We support the four-cylinder only if there is a guarantee that the costs will be reduced by 30% over a period of five years."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.