FIA clears Ferrari/Toro Rosso Formula 1 engine deal for 2016
The FIA has granted Ferrari permission to supply a 2015-spec Formula 1 power unit to Toro Rosso next season
Following Renault's troubles with 1.6-litre V6 turbo-charged hybrid systems, both Red Bull and Toro Rosso served notice on the French manufacturer it no longer wanted a supply for 2016.
While Red Bull is now set to stick with Renault, Toro Rosso opted to reunite with former supplier Ferrari after previously working with the Scuderia from 2007-13.
For the deal to go through, Toro Rosso has agreed to using this year's Ferrari engine in next year's car.
As the current regulations do not allow for two different specifications of power unit from one manufacturer to be used in a single season, special dispensation has had to be applied for to the FIA.
Following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris, this has now been formally ratified.
A FIA statement read: "Power units homologated in previous seasons may now be re-homologated.
"Previously no manufacturer could supply more than one specification of PU.
"The World Motor Sport Council was also advised that the FIA had agreed for Ferrari to supply a fourth customer team with a 2015-specification power unit in 2016."
MANUFACTURERS GET MORE TOKENS
The FIA has also opened up in-season development of power units from 2016 and beyond, as previously revealed by Autosport, with a decision taken to increase the number of tokens available.
For the introduction of 1.6-litre V6 turbo-charged hybrid systems last year, the FIA opted for a sharply declining development curve.
In 2015, 32 tokens were available, reducing to 25 next year, then 20, 15 and three respectively for '17-19.
But now, given the struggles of the likes of Renault and Honda in their attempts to play catch up with Mercedes, the FIA has altered the figures.
For next season there will again be 32, followed by 25, 20 and 15 across 2017-19.
It means the areas that were due to be closed off for development in 2016 will remain open, namely the upper/lower crankcase, valve drive, crankshaft, air-valve system and ancillaries drive.
The WMSC also determined any new engine manufacturer entering F1 will be allocated just 15 development tokens in its first year, with 32 in the second.
There has also been one further alteration to the technical regulations, with the padded area around a driver's head to be increased for improved safety.
Previous article
Final 2016 Formula 1 calendar confirmed by World Motor Sport Council
Next article
F1 teams to get more choice between Pirelli dry compounds in 2016
The mid-season rule change that has left F1 teams scrambling
The technical directive issued by Formula 1 to reduce levels of automation in pitstops has given teams an unwelcome period of adjustment. Although safety was the primary goal, it has already had a significant impact on the title race and puts extra pressure on teams to deliver as the season reaches the business end
How the pandemic is continuing to bite F1
Uncertainty over the shape of the calendar doesn’t just vex the fans and the commercial rights holder. MARK GALLAGHER explains at how race promoters have been pushed to the financial brink
Hamilton at 100 wins: In his adversaries’ words
Some 18 drivers have finished runner-up to Lewis Hamilton on his way to 100 wins. Three of those recall their battles with Formula 1’s centurion and give their personal insights into the seven-time world champion on his rise to unchartered territory
Russian Grand Prix Driver Ratings
The 2021 Russian GP was decided by late-arriving rain that allowed some to climb and caused others to plummet. But the events which played out beforehand are equally significant when considering the all-important driver ratings
How Mercedes made the “blind faith” call that won Hamilton his 100 milestone at Sochi
Until rain turned the Russian Grand Prix on its head in the closing stages, Lando Norris was set to convert his first Formula 1 pole position into a maiden win. But having recovered well from being shuffled back at the start, Hamilton and his Mercedes team called the changing conditions spot-on for a landmark 100th F1 victory
Why momentum is again behind Australia’s aces
At the Italian Grand Prix Daniel Ricciardo turned around a troubled F1 season and, in F2, Oscar Piastri demonstrated once again that he is a potential star of the future. BEN EDWARDS weighs up the prospects of F1 having two Australian stars
The tough balancing act facing Schumacher’s Netflix film producers
Michael Schumacher is the latest sporting superstar to get the ‘Netflix treatment’, with a special documentary film airing on the US streaming giant’s platform this month. DAMIEN SMITH has the inside track on how the filmmakers gained access to tell the human story behind one of Formula 1’s most publicity-shy champions - while the man himself, for obvious reasons, is in absentia…
The times that suggest Verstappen should be confident of F1 Russian GP recovery
For the second race in a row, Mercedes has ended the first day of track action on top. It’s in a commanding position at the Russian Grand Prix once again – this time largely thanks to Max Verstappen’s upcoming engine-change grid penalty. But there’s plenty to suggest all hope is not lost for the championship leader at Sochi
