Ferrari Is Willing To Help Make Alternative Formula 1 Engine

Ferrari President Sergio Marchionne said that current manufacturers "could supply alternative power units" if they were subsidized by Formula One Management, according to F1i. The FIA looked in to the possibility of introducing a different specification of power unit from an independent supplier in order to "help reduce costs for customer teams." However, "the idea is currently on hold while engine manufacturers come up with new proposals to address the sound and cost of the current power units." Marchionne believes that "any potential regulation change can still include the current manufacturers," but said that F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone's FOM "should help foot the bill." Marchionne said, "Ferrari is available to join a project where we could develop power units. We would also consider sharing our technology but we should not be the only one. The development commitments should be shared with the other teams having the power units and of course that should be done in economic terms" (F1i, 1/11).