29/05/2007
NEWS STORY
BMW team boss Mario Theissen is hopeful that agreement can be reaches as soon as possible over the proposed changes for 2011, following the submission of a consultation paper by the FIA.
The controversial proposals include 2.2 litre V6 engines, turbocharged and running on biofuel, are being introduced as part of the FIA's drive to make Formula One a leader when it comes to environmental issues, with the sport developing new green technologies that could find their way on to the road cars of the future.
"There was also quite a lot going on behind the scenes at Monaco," Theissen revealed, "as discussions about the future Formula One regulations continued. The dialogue started two weeks ago at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
"As a basis for discussion the FIA introduced a consultation paper. On that basis, the manufacturers are invited to bring in their opinions and propositions. This will happen in the coming weeks."
Following the submission of the consultation paper, there has been widespread speculation as to how such wide ranging changes will affect costs, at a time when the FIA has been attempting to cut the amount that the manufacturers spend. Theissen is of the opinion that the earlier the manufacturers and the FIA reach an agreement and get to work, the 'easier' it will be financially.
"From a technological point of view the topics discussed are very interesting,"! he admits. "We are talking about a completely new concept, which will also be relevant for series production. That's why BMW basically supports this approach.
"What we have to avoid though is sky rocketing of costs. It is important that we commit ourselves early, in order to stretch the development work over several years."