In mid-February, FIA President Max Mosley told journalists that the sport's governing body planned to introduce a three-year 'engine freeze' as part of the 2008 regulations.
Not surprisingly, the suggestion, driven by a need to cut costs, caused a stir among members of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association - BMW, Honda, Mercedes, Renault and Toyota - who, together with non-members Ferrari and Cosworth, supply the units powering the sport's 11 teams.
With the 2008 technical and sporting regulations having to be finalized by 30 June, the GPMA has a little over two months to persuade Mosley of a viable alternative.
Otmar Szafnauer, Vice President, Honda Racing Development Ltd and Management Board Member, Honda Racing F1 Team F1 © LAT |
Thus far there is little evidence of progress, but Otmar Szafnauer, Vice President, Honda Racing Development Ltd and Management Board Member, Honda Racing F1 Team, believes the company has a solution, one which will cut annual engine budgets without 'dumbing down' F1's engines.