FIA President Jean Todt said that Formula One is "close to a solution that would allow hard-up private teams to secure cheaper engines from the sport's four manufacturers without the need for an alternative supplier," according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. Speaking just hours before the deadline for the manufacturers to come up with proposals, as they agreed to do last November, the Frenchman said that "he was optimistic after recent meetings." He said, "They (the manufacturers) are going to make some proposals by tonight. I have proposals on most of the items which I feel are going in the right direction." In November, the four manufacturers -- Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Honda -- agreed to "come up with a plan to reduce the cost of power units and ensure no team was left without one." The move followed the rejection, by the Strategy Group that the manufacturers dominate, "of a move to introduce an alternative engine" (REUTERS, 1/15).
REFUEL: In London, Andrew Benson reported Formula 1 chiefs are to "again discuss the potential return" of refueling. The idea was proposed then dismissed last year, but could be introduced as early as '17 "if it receives support in Monday's F1 strategy group meeting." Key figures in F1 "are keen to find ways of making the sport more exciting." Todt said, "We (will) re-address (the subject of) is it right not to have refueling?" Refueling was banned at the end of '09 "on cost and safety grounds." Teams conducted an "extensive investigation" last season into the effects of a return of refueling and concluded it would have a "negative effect on the sport's spectacle" (BBC, 1/15).
BRING THE NOISE: In a separate piece, Baldwin reported Williams Technical Head Pat Symonds said that Formula 1 cars will be up to 25% noiser this season "due to new exhaust regulations aimed at turning up the volume." The increase may still not be enough to "placate those who miss the ear-splitting wail" of the old V8 engines that preceded the current V6 turbo hybrid power units, but it should be noticeable. Symonds said, "In the past, everyone has run wastegate pipes into the main tailpipe of the engine and what we have to do in 2016 is separate them." He explained that removing a "side branch resonator," which acts like a silencer in the exhaust, "would produce more decibels" (REUTERS, 1/15).
