An alternative engine in F1, which was slated for '17, "will not come," according to Garloff & Bach of AUTO BILD. The series' manufacturers "have reportedly presented a counter proposal." F1's alternative engine plans, which were pushed by series CEO Bernie Ecclestone and Red Bull Racing, "are expected to be permanently shelved when the F1 Commission meets in Geneva on Tuesday." The plans called for a V6 turbo engine that would compete with the current hybrid engines from '17. This alternative engine would have cost €6M ($6.5M) and would have been produced by an independent manufacturer in order to "break the current manufacturers' stronghold on the series." Red Bull "wanted to use this alternative engine in '17." F1's current manufacturers -- Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda and Renault -- "have now presented a counter proposal, which could end the alternative engine debate forever." The manufacturers proposed to reduce the price of the hybrid engines from €18M ($19.6M) to €12M ($13.1M). To achieve this reduction the manufacturers "want to unify a number of engine parts." Red Bull seems to have already accepted defeat. The team said, "We are not counting on a positive vote for us. The only advantage is that potential new manufacturers have more planning security in case they are interested in building an F1 engine" (AUTO BILD, 1/18).
REFUELING ON THE TABLE: SKY SPORTS' James Galloway reported it has emerged that the idea of reintroducing mid-race refuelling in '17 "will again be debated." Refuelling was dropped after '09 for cost and safety reasons but its return "was first floated by the Strategy Group last June, although the idea was soon abandoned again after further deliberation."
But despite the recent opposition, FIA President Jean Todt "has confirmed the plan is back on the table." Todt:
"We are talking about 50,000 euros [£38,113] a year. If it is good for the show, I'm in favor of reducing the cost, but that is not a key point in the global costs of Formula 1. At least we should discuss it."
However, refuelling "is still unlikely to be re-adopted for 2017" (SKY SPORTS, 1/18).
