- If F1 moves to a "world engine" in 2013, VW has expressed interest in being the supplier.
- Speculation about the next-generation F1 engine revolves around a small inline four-cylinder with turbocharger and an upgraded version of the KERS energy-recovery technology.
- None of the manufacturers presently competing in F1 have expressed support for the world engine concept.
WOLFSBURG, Germany — Formula 1's plans for technical rules in 2013 and beyond remain unclear, but the adoption of a "world engine" concept is said to have piqued the interest of Volkswagen.
VW Motorsport Director Hans-Joachim Stuck emphasizes that the company is not interested in fielding a works team in the manner of Mercedes, with its acquisition of Brawn GP, or Ferrari, but rather as an engine supplier.
"We are waiting for the FIA's decision in respect of the use of a world engine for Formula 1," Stuck told Auto Bild magazine. "If there is [a world engine], we will discuss whether to build it for Formula 1."
The "world engine" refers to an item that is not purpose-built strictly for one form but is applicable across multiple types of racing.
Speculation about the next-generation F1 engine revolves around a small (approximately 1.5-liter) inline four-cylinder with turbocharger and an upgraded version of the KERS energy-recovery technology utilized last year in an experimental capacity with the series' 2.4-liter normally aspirated V8s.
None of the manufacturers presently competing in F1 have expressed support for the world engine concept.
Stuck attended the 2009 NASCAR season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, fueling speculation about a VW entry into the American stock car racing series on the heels of Toyota. Stuck also addressed an interest in the IRL IndyCar Series and the Grand Am sports-car series, operated by NASCAR's France family.
Inside Line says: The future of various forms of auto racing will be determined by decisions being made now and in the coming year or two. Will there be radical change, or will a more conservative evolution occur? Stay tuned. — David Green, Correspondent
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jeffrey69 says:
09:04 AM, 05/05/2010
What a great idea. This had to be a "Bernie" moment. F1 has figured out a way to destroy the best racing circuit in the world just as Nascar did. I can't wait to hear what that little car company from Italy has to say about a German engine in the little red car.
Jeff
clarkma5 says:
05:35 PM, 05/04/2010
VW's really weird about F1...they don't want competition, they just want the marketing.
I'm thinking that the 1.5 DI Turbo I4 w/ KERS idea will be what happens in F1 starting in 2013, but I don't think we're going to see a spec supplier...it'll be like today, different manufacturers building very similar engines (which is also kinda silly, what with the equalization and development freeze...there isn't much to choose between them so they may as well be spec, too)
glacier says:
02:38 PM, 05/04/2010
Is this a joke? Why not make all the teams use the same chassis as well and totally ruin F1.
moreau says:
12:39 PM, 05/04/2010
I'm in the "keep the cars different" camp. If they want to have some sort of cost-saving measures, put a monetary cap on team finances (hahahaha...). I like watching different cars built for the same goal compete, even if they are 95% identical. You end up with teams focusing on technology hiring good drivers, and other teams focusing on having excellent drivers and good cars. Of course, any sufficiently advanced technology to actually improve lap times will be banned after Ferrari whinges at the FIA. Oh, all of the promising technologies lost in F1 due to those particular bratty Italians: Renault's tuned mass dampers in the frame (brilliant, but Ferrari involvement not clear), individual tire breaking controlled by driver (ironically the principle returned after Ferrari figured out a differential that could do the same thing, but was much more complicated), active suspension...
I like cleverness being rewarded. If you want F1 to be only about the drivers, just watch a homologated racing series.
beermagazine says:
08:59 AM, 05/04/2010
Great way to ruin F1. Sad. We actually get to cheer for actual manufacturers. I guess they want to turn F1 into NASCAR/Wrestling where we like the "personality".
Leave F1 alone. isn't that what GP2 is? Spec cars and guess what...nobody cares.
iskch says:
08:31 AM, 05/04/2010
Looks like we will visit the past once more but with better technology. Will see.
bwoodahl says:
08:25 AM, 05/04/2010
I hope this happens. Nice "trickle down" technology for the GTI and Golf R, etc.