Toto Wolff Opposes the Idea of Getting Independent Engine Supplier in F1
Giancarlo Perlas October 26, 2015
Toto Wolff opposed the idea of introducing independent Formula One engine suppliers. According to Autosport, he aired his side after F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone revealed earlier that the FIA will announce a tender process which would encourage independent engine suppliers to enter the sport. The system aims to allow additional power but requiring more fuel consumption.
For an engine maker like Mercedes-AMG that is allotting millions of pounds just to develop an engine like the current 1.6-liter turbo V6 power units, the idea is not the way to proceed. He pointed out that engine manufacturers decided to participate in F1 because of the concept, which fits what is happening on the roads. He added, the accommodation of a standard engine would be complex and it would need amendments in the rules.
The report stated that aside from agreeing to relax the rules in the power unit development, which involve retaining the number of tokens and in-season development within the season, Mercedes will no longer support the idea of pulling in independent engine makers.
On the other hand, Ecclestone defended his position by saying that the cost of the V6 units are too high. He further claimed the changes are also anticipated for 2017 anyway.
When asked for his take on the four engine manufacturers that poured in an estimated £15 million to £20 million per season for the development of their engines, the F1 supremo told the source that the money they spent, especially for their R&D, was for their road cars. He said they got more out of it already for their road cars. Then he cleared out that the rules are not a two-tier system. Instead, it was a choice.
