Manufacturers hit back at Mosley

As the row over the future direction of engine regulations shows no signs of abating, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have hit back at the FIA and defended their belief that a massive change of regulations will not only be more expensive but will not slow the cars down much.

Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norberg Haug said: "We are not liars. We are not here to threaten or to provoke aggravation. But you have to ask youself if a company such as Mercedes is not better equipped to compare costs of the different engine concepts.

"And with all due respect it must be allowed to give an opinion. Even if that opinion was the most idiotic thing ever to be said, it should still be allowed to be told."

Speaking about comments from Mosley that the manufacturers had been misleading regarding the new proposals, BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said: "I find them inappropriate. Such comments for sure do not help our situation. We are all trying our best to find a reasonable compromise between all parties involved."

Both engine manufacturers agree that with new aerodynamic and tyre regulations being introduced next year then there is little need to also cut back on engine power.

Haug said: "Most of the technicians think that the other measures to demobilise Formula 1 are enough to slow the cars down. The new aero package alone costs some two seconds. And then there is the reduction in tyre sets.

"The increase in speed or the faster lap times are not due to the engine alone. Just have a look at a traditional engine track such as Monza. There, the lap times are not as much lower than in Budapest, for instance. That for me is proof enough that the dropping in lap times is mainly due to tyres and aerodynamics, not to the engine."