Theissen warns against engine unfreeze

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen fears that moves to try and equalise engine performance in Formula One may lead to a dramatic increase in costs

A number of teams, including Renault, Red Bull Racing and Honda, have held discussions about proposing to the FIA a move to make F1's engine more equal.

It comes amid concerns expressed by Renault boss Flavio Briatore that some manufacturers have managed to improve their engine performance despite the imposition of a five-year freeze.

Theissen does not think that allowing development work to start again so as to make the engines all equal would be a good move for the sport - as he also played down the differences between engines.

"The downside is if you unfreeze the engines, the cost race will resume immediately and that will be done on engines that will be used for three or four years," said Theissen.

"So I would favour not to spend any money on developing these engines any more, keep them in place as they are, but focus on next generation engines."

When asked by autosport.com if felt there was any other way to equalise the engines, Theissen said: "Very difficult. I am not sure if it is really necessary. I think the issue has been exaggerated in the past weeks.

"I don't think the difference between the individual engines is that big and is a decisive factor in terms of performance."