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Engine makers hopeful of imminent deal

Formula One's engine manufacturers are confident that a deal can be struck this weekend that will head off the possibility of a full engine freeze in the sport from 2008, according to BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen

Carmakers have been locked in discussions for several months now trying to come to a common agreement over future engine regulations, but so far no deal has been struck.

There is believed to be a consensus against a full engine freeze in the sport but the manufacturers are not unified in their plans for an alternative proposal.

Autosport.com understands that the engine makers need to come to a deal over the British Grand Prix weekend if they are to prevent the full engine freeze happening, so the pressure has been mounting on the carmakers to settle their differences.

With further talks scheduled for this weekend, however, Theissen has said he is optimistic that not only can the carmakers reach an agreement but that it will also be accept by the FIA.

"I hope and I am confident, because we had some talks with the FIA in Monaco and it sounds to me like if there is a joint proposal from the manufacturers that achieves the target set, which is cost-cutting, then the FIA would be open to take this," Theissen told autosport.com.

"And I am pretty sure the proposals of the manufacturers will achieve the target - and it will include some sort of homologation."

Although Theissen has not said what the alternative plans for engine regulations are, sources have revealed that they are based around a two-tier plan for homologation.

It is understood that the basic block of the engine will be frozen for a three-year period from 2008 until 2012, while some of the moving components of the power-unit will be homologated each season. The designs of the engine will be lodged before the start of each season.

The moves towards homologation are believed to have met resistance from some manufacturers, especially Honda and Toyota, who have favoured keeping more technology in the sport.

Theissen claimed that each of the carmakers had had to compromise in getting close to the current deal.

"As I said, we are quite close and it means everybody has compromised in some areas on his own position. Each manufacturer has given in here and there in order to achieve something.

"On the other hand, I think BMW has proved to be very flexible to come to a joint position and I hope it can be achieved this weekend."

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