Bernie Ecclestone and Jean Todt have been given the power to make decisions regarding F1, a mandate that also governs the sport’s engines.
One issue that is believed to be playing a role in both the dwindling spectator figures is the current 1.6 liter V6 engines. Spectators are unhappy with the pace and sound while the smaller teams have been left reeling from the costs.
The FIA had recently attempted to bring in a budget engine, a move that was blocked by Ferrari.
However, it could yet come into being after the World Motor Sport Council gave F1 supremo Ecclestone and FIA president Todt the power to make changes for the good of the sport.
We’ve gottem this time!
An FIA statement reads, “The World Motor Sport Council approved, by a near unanimous number (just one vote against), a mandate for the FIA President, Jean Todt and the Representative of the Commercial Rights Holder, Bernie Ecclestone to make recommendations and decisions regarding a number of pressing issues in Formula One such as governance, Power Units and cost reduction. Mr Todt and Mr Ecclestone expressed their intention to establish conclusions on these matters by 31 January, 2016.”
Talk about re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic! A “budget” engine? That will challenge the very expensive Mercedes and Ferrari engines? Am I the only skeptic? And they’ll do it in six weeks.
