The FIA has set in motion its search for a cheaper, independent engine supply.

In its "call for expressions of interest" the sport's governing body today set out its stall in terms of an independent engine supplier who can, on the one hand, provide a product that is affordable for the independent teams, whilst at the same time providing the sport with an alternative supply at a time there is concern that the current engine manufacturers have the upper hand in terms of control of F1.

Though, it is being presented as a move made to assist the smaller teams it is in fact widely seen as a response to the difficulties Red Bull has had in securing an engine deal, the Austrian outfit almost forced to leave the sport after being denied a (competitive) supply by the main two manufacturers.

Even more controversially, the new unit would not conform to the new 1.6 litre formula introduced only last year, rather a 2.2-litre V6 twin turbo with no energy recovery system.

In its call for "expressions of interest", the FIA said it "has decided to launch a consultation among the engine manufacturers in order to potentially identify for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons an exclusive alternative engine manufacturer which will be solely entitled to supply this alternative engine to the competitors entered for said seasons of the Championship.

"The FIA is now calling for expressions of interest to identify candidates interested in becoming the exclusive supplier of the alternative engine to the competitors."

Making clear that "the candidate declares to be entirely independent of a major car manufacturer," the FIA adds that the "candidates whose expression of interest meets the requirements stated in this document may be entitled to participate in a tendering procedure the aim of which would be to identify an exclusive supplier of the alternative engines to the competitors."

The deadline set by the FIA is 17:00 on Monday November 23, however, FIA president Jean Todt has made it clear that the process would be abandoned should the existing manufacturers accept his call for 12 million euro cost cap.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by petes, 14/11/2015 19:18

"@Simon in Adelaide.
If this is 'just a ploy' then as usual the FIA hasn't thought it thru, not that that in itself is at all unusual as FIA and 'think' never coincide.
The manufacturers are in a hugely dominant position here and should use it."

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2. Posted by Simon in Adelaide, 14/11/2015 9:33

"I would expect a 2.2 V6 twin turbo to have more 'get up and go ' than the current power units and hence this is just a ploy to get the current manufacturers to accept the cost cap."

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3. Posted by bfairey, 13/11/2015 21:18

"why a 2.2L twin turbo? how about a 2.5L normal aspirated vee 8? There must be at least 4 engine builders
in England who could do that."

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FIA begins its search for alternative engine supply

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