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F1's manufacturers look set to agree to reduce the price of their engines, even if they want to press ahead with the current 'power unit' formula beyond 2017. After the carmakers rejected Bernie Ecclestone and Jean Todt's idea of parallel regulations for an independent engine supplier, they were given until January 15 to come up with an alternative proposal.
But according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport on Tuesday, Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Honda have decided to press ahead with the controversial era of 1.6 litre turbo V6 'hybrid' power units. "They prefer to supply the current power units at a subsidised price," said correspondent Michael Schmidt.
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F1 supremo Ecclestone, however, had outlined his desire not only for cheaper engines for the independent teams, but simpler technology that is more powerful and louder. Schmidt continued: "The four manufacturers believe it is better and cheaper to deliver the current engines to customers at a price of EUR 12 million rather than build something completely new."
Currently, the price of a customer supply of 'power units' in F1 is about double that amount. Reportedly, the manufacturers plan to reduce costs by agreeing a list of common parts, possibly including the battery, the energy recovery systems or the turbo. But Schmidt predicted: "Ecclestone will not be satisfied. He wants an engine that in theory also an independent supplier like Cosworth or Ilmor can make." (GMM)
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