F1 Strategy Group to discuss rules on teams using year-old engines

Manor was allowed to use 2014-spec Ferrari engines this season after it exploited a loophole in the regulations that required only concessionary permission to use such units.

Appendix 4 of the technical regulations was tightened up to keep all teams on equal footing, but it is understood the plan is to revise it once more.

Sources suggest the regulations will be tweaked to permit different specifications to be supplied during the season and known as "Current -1" to differentiate them from the latest iteration.

Crucially, there are to be discussions with regards bringing down the cost of these units - which at present cost £15m-£20m per season compared to £7m during the V8 era.

With regards the introduction of one-year old engines, Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley told AUTOSPORT: "That's been discussed for a while.

"Fundamentally it's the same as Marussia are doing this year, running a '14 engine in '15.

"It would be a similar type of thing."

When it was pointed out that Appendix 4 was tightened to prevent that, Fernley replied: "Well, it's a discussion point..."

Should the rules be tweaked to allow the supply of one-year old engines, it would allow Manor to acquire 2015-spec Mercedes engines for 2016 should talks come to fruition.

It could also allow Red Bull, which will not run Renault engines next season and has had the door shut on hopes of using Mercedes power, to use Ferrari engines without posing a major threat to the Scuderia's works team.