German makes against V8s

The formula currently utilises 3.0-litre V10 engines and a raft of proposals released by the sport's governing body recommends a change to 2.4-litre V8s in the interests of reducing costs and curtailing performance levels.

BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen said, however: "The objectives we fully support but I'd be careful to keep the objectives apart from the solutions. Cost reduction is the most urgent thing and I think we should try to get that done before 2008.

"Given that, we would not propose a different engine format. If we move from 3.0-litre V10s to 2.4-litre V8s, it will mean that for one year we will have to do two engines in parallel. The costs of the V8 would be no more than 5 percent lower and so, in total, it wouldn't be a cost reduction. But, we support extending engine life, even beyond two races. That would take power down and mean a massive cost cut. I think we need to spend a bit more thought on it."

The FIA is likely to counter, however, that the capacity cuts are the most effective way to reduce performance, and point out that this year's doubling of the engine mileage has not, in fact, reduced power.

Theissen's opposite number at McLaren Mercedes, Norbert Haug, said: "My personal view is that a change of engine regulations doesn't help to save money. Two cylinders less to save money on parts, I don't think is the right choice." Haug emphasised, however, that Mercedes-Benz and McLaren will play a full and constructive part in the FIA's forthcoming discussions.