F1 engine 'price-fixing' allegation
The FIA has been asked to investigate an allegation of F1 'customer' engine price-fixing, according to AUTOSPORT today. The Jordan Grand Prix team is understood to have complained that F1 suppliers Cosworth Racing and Mercedes-Benz Motorsport are not honouring promises to supply 'inexpensive' engines, and have agreed on a set price, contrary to the FIA's International Sporting Code (Art.151c). Jordan is negotiating with both companies for a 2004 deal
Team principal Eddie Jordan declined to comment on the existence of any letter to the FIA but told the magazine: "Since January, we have had a letter from [DaimlerChrysler board member] Jurgen Hubbert promising engines for E10m. So any team without an engine [understands] that the maximum they would have to pay would be E10m."
Mercedes-Benz Motorsport boss Norbert Haug commented: "There is no price-fixing. An engine will be at least twice less expensive [in 2004] than it is right now, so I can see no reason for complaints. There are obviously guys who like to complain."
Cosworth is a member of Ford's Premier Performance Group, whose CEO, Tony Purnell, was unavailable for comment.
Art.151c prohibits: "Any fraudulent conduct or any act prejudicial to the interests of any competition or to the interest of motorsport generally."
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