There was a transitional period of two years allowing both I believe and the 1.5L turbo was mandatory after that...until the N/A 3.5L
I would love to see BMW back in F1 with a turbo 4 cyl - imagine the trickle down tech for our 1.6L MINIs!
Hmmm, a three year evaluation period sounds entertaining. Allow the two options and then decide which way to go (or to stay the course), during/after the 2nd year. I just think it would be great to see some broader disparity again. Then again, that's the problem. The trend is toward ever-greater restriction of the formula resulting in elimination of options. Back to reality, I don't think turbos would break F1. I think if the real thrust is to make F1 green then they have their heads up where the sun don't shine. Seems to me "green F1" is an oxymoron for a reason. This is where Bernie is right. Todt's green push is nothing but PR IMHO. Then again, I suppose this is another reason I like the multiple engine formula idea. If a team wants to separate itself from the non-green fuel-guzzling rest of the pack, give them the option and some development space to work within.
As much as I am a fan of the boys from Maranello ... F.I.A. stands for Ferrari International Assistance
Here's an article from 1 Jan. Ferrari seeks allies to oppose 2013 FIA Formula 1 engine regulations (f1sa.com)
Presumably the FIA wants there to be more standardisation - around the 'Global Engine'. Both WRC world rally cars and WTCC international touring cars are using the same 1.6L turbo four engien rule from this year and, as intended, some manufacturers are using the same engine in both types of racing.
So they are suggesting that F1, the supposed quintessence of auto racing, should run power plants that are shared in some form with other series? ....and how is this supposed to improve the racing?
Here we go again. Bernie sure seems intent on taking F1 to NY. Ecclestone to meet with New York mayor (gpupdate.net)
Bloomberg & Bernie going to pay for the track out if their pocket?? Think a race there might be great but given the present economy of most states and the Federal government for that matter; building a race track for one F1 race might be a very hard sell to the taxpayers......
I think F1 is going to be a hard sell to the fans too if they don't get the #$%^&&**^%$ effing season started and stop mucking about with the rules! Oh wait, it's this weekend! Yay!
So instead of being at the season opening race, Bernie is off on a flight of fancy and thumbing his nose at the Australians while doing it.... They shoot horses don't they?
Bloomberg (NY City mayor) has more money than Bernie. Figure Bernie is trying to figure out how to get some.