The FIA have announced an agreement has been reached on the new engine regulations for the 2017-20 seasons to reduce costs in Formula One.
The new regulations will intend to reduce costs and improve the level of noise. Additionally, the performance amongst all of the engines should be made more equal.
The new deal has been “approved by all levels of the F1 governance structure, including the World Motor Sport Council, and will now be included as Technical and Sporting regulations for the 2017 and 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship.”
The FIA have also confirmed manufacturers will be forced to supply a team if in the event one particular team finds itself without a supplier.
Other changes include the removal of the heavily restrictive token system and increased levels of engine sound.
“As part of the power unit agreement, adherence to the measures outlined below will see the FIA commit to supporting power unit regulations stability and the maintaining of the current Formula One governance structure for the 2017-2020 period,” it added.
FIA Statement in Full:
Cost
Agreement has been reached on a significant reduction in the price of power unit supply to customer teams and a reduction in cost to manufacturers over the coming years.
– In 2017 the power unit price for customer teams will be reduced by €1m per season compared to 2016.
– From 2018, the annual supply price will be reduced by a further €3m.
– Cost reduction on power units will be driven by changes to the Sporting and Technical regulations in 2017 and 2018, with a progressive reduction of the number of power unit elements per driver per season.
Supply
Supply of power units to customer teams will be ensured, as the homologation procedure will include an “obligation to supply” that will be activated in the event of a team facing an absence of supply.
Performance Convergence
The new agreement includes a package of measures aimed at achieving performance convergence.
– The token system is to be removed from 2017
– Additionally, constraints on power unit part weights, dimensions and materials, and on boost pressure will be introduced in 2017 and in 2018.
Sound
Manufacturers are currently conducting a promising research programme into further improving the sound of the current power units, with the aim of implementation by 2018 at the latest.
