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Engine freeze could stir more controversy

Formula One looks set to be heading for further controversy over the 2008 engine regulations after Ferrari claimed on Sunday night that a bid by rival teams to change the rules would not count

A vote taken by the Sporting Working Group ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix resulted in 8-4 against plans for an engine freeze from the start of 2008.    

The teams who voted against the plans believe that the vote heralds the way for a scrapping of the engine homologation plans - and they have called for the Formula One Commission and the FIA World Council to support the democratic decision of the SWG.

But Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt said hopes that the SWG's decision would be supported were in vain - because teams had already committed themselves to racing with an engine freeze from 2008.

"If you read the rules of 2008, the engine rules are already written and it's a freezing of the engine for 2008, 2009 and 2010," said Todt. "If you compete in the championship you have to accept the rules in which you are competing. It's written down."

Engine manufacturers who are planning to introduce part engine homologation, part engine unit limit rules for 2008 are pressing ahead with plans to get their proposals voted through as soon as the Monaco Grand Prix, although there remains a great deal of uncertainty about what the current situation is.

Cosworth's commercial director Bernard Ferguson said: "There's no common ground. I don't know what was voted on, but I know the ball hasn't stopped bouncing yet. I've no idea what is going to happen now, so let's watch this space."

Williams technical director Sam Michael believes it would now take dialogue between the FIA and the teams to resolve the situation - especially with Ferrari suggesting that any moves by teams to change the engine rules will be futile.

"It will go back and forth between the teams and the FIA," he said. "I'm pretty sure that's what will happen next.

"Everyone's intentions are in the right place and I'm sure there will be some sort of agreement in the end that everyone goes with. I don't think it will take to long, but we'll leave it to the FIA."

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said before the weekend that he hoped the democratic decision of the SWG would not be over-ruled by either the F1 Commission or the FIA.

"When you look at the process that unfolded last Wednesday, I was encouraged by the fact that it was a democratic process and all the people who went there worked hard," he said.

"If that is the way we build the future, by a democratic process of evaluating all the options that unfold, then we will have a very good F1. But it has to be democratic through the whole process and that is what I hope will happen."

He added:  "I share the view that there seems to be some uncertainty about how it will unfurl. Hopefully if it is a recommendation of the experts then it should be seen as that - and expert opinion should be followed."

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