BMW outlines engine views

Following the summit between Mosley and the teams in Monaco two weeks ago, where the manufacturers were told to decide between 2.4-litre V8 engines or longer life versions of the current 3.0-litre spec units, Theissen has said on the BMW WilliamsF1 website that he believes there is no need for a new engine format.

"The technological concept of the engine is far less important when it comes to reducing the costs," Theissen said. "Bearing in mind the stability of the regulations and to avoid a further increase of costs, we are proposing a perpetuation of the current 3-litre V10 concept.

"The increased mileage and technical limitations would reduce the horsepower output of the engines by some 100bhp, thus increasing the lap times and reducing the top speeds without losing the fascination of the 10-cylinder engine."

He also believes that the FIA's proposal to make engines last six race weekends is too long. "We are prepared to extend the mileage of an engine to three race weekends," he said. "Should this measure be combined with a limited testing programme, a 50-percent reduction of the engine production costs will be viable."

In general however, Theissen has once again asserted that BMW is behind the FIA's drive to revolutionise the sport: "The goals listed in the FIA proposal are aimed at significantly reducing the costs while improving the show. Quite obviously, BMW is supporting these goals.

"In spite of all these discussions Formula One is the pinnacle of motor racing and should keep this position, concerning sport, business and technology in equal measure. For BMW, this position represents the main reason for its F1 involvement.

"In Monaco, everybody agreed costs must be dramatically reduced. All engine manufacturers have agreed to jointly frame the proposition for engine regulations in order to achieve this goal. We are supporting many of the technology recommendations of the FIA proposal and we will bring in further proposals at the forthcoming meetings of the task force."