Ford: New engines impossible for '03

Davis' remarks indicate that CART could be facing an engine shortage crisis if it does not put off plans to move to its new formula until 2004.

"We haven't made any decision," said Davis. "We're going to work with our teams and wait for more information from CART about the specifics of the engine rules.

"We can't build a new engine for 2003," he added. "We just can't invest the time, effort and money to do it in such a short time frame."

Davis also said that Ford is not in agreement with rival manufacturer Toyota with regard to the value of racing in the Indianapolis 500.

"As far as the Indianapolis 500 and the IRL are concerned, our position remains the same," Davis said. "We're not interested in either the Indy 500 or the IRL."

The potential engine shortage that looms has a direct impact on Champ Car teams, particularly those currently aligned with Honda. The Japanese manufacturer has said in no uncertain terms that it has no interest in the proposed normally-aspirated formula.

"We (CART) have been talking for a long time, and the good thing is that a decision has been made," commented Barry Green, who runs Honda-powered cars in CART for Dario Franchitti, Paul Tracy and Michael Andretti. "But obviously it puts us in an awkward position, because I have great respect and a terrific relationship with Honda. I don't really know what I'm going to do in 2003.

"I think the decision itself (to go to normally-aspirated motors) is okay," Green continued. "We've got to slow the cars down, and reducing horsepower is a fairly easy way to do that. What concerns me is the timing of it all."

However, rival team owner Bobby Rahal provided a different perspective. Rahal, who essentially runs the works Ford team in the Champ Car series, has hinted in recent weeks that Ford's withdrawal is a distinct possibility. But he added that the new technical regulations offer another possibility.

"I look at it as inclusionary," Rahal said. "This allows General Motors and Nissan the opportunity to come over and compete in our series."