Budget engine plans accelerate as FIA calls for expressions of interest

The FIA has pushed ahead with its plan to introduce a budget engine into F1 from 2017 and called on independent manufacturers to come forward and register their interest.

In what is being viewed as a 'power game' between the sport's rulemakers and manufacturers - particularly Ferrari and Mercedes - F1's governing body announced last month that it was considering the introduction of a 'cheaper' engine after Ferrari used their long-established power of veto to overrule plans for a €12m limit on the cost of customer power units.

The FIA said it would initiate a period of consultation over the new proposal - with a number of teams, including Red Bull, publicly voicing their support for the idea - and now appears to have accelerated the process.

'The FIA has decided to launch a consultation among the engine manufacturers in order to potentially identify for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons of the aforementioned Championship 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,' read a document on the tender section of the FIA's website.

'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.'

In response to the news, Sky F1 pundit Mark Hughes tweeted: 'Battle lines with Ferrari/Merc drawn.'

Can budget engines bring value to F1?

Sky F1's Mark Hughes looks at the FIA's alternative engine plans

Although details of the specification for any 'alternative' engine have not been officially divulged, it is understood an IndyCar-style 2.2-litre twin turbo unit is under consideration, albeit with more power and some form of energy-recovery system.

Questions over how F1 could establish parity between the new engine and the existing 1.6-turbocharged V6s in use since the start of 2014 have abounded since the FIA's plans were made public, particularly as a 2.2-litre engine would use more fuel.

Long-time F1 engine makers Cosworth, who were priced out of the sport by the current regulations, are expected to register their interest, while similarly British-based Ilmor Engineering - currently working alongside Red Bull - are also likely to be in the running.

Would-be suppliers have until November 23 to register with the FIA. Applications need to include a 'complete description of the alternative engine', including the company's plans and production schedule.

The FIA, however, stress that it 'shall be under no obligation to accept any expression of interest submitted' and can make changes to the process at any stage.

That caveat is an important one considering that the FIA could still drop the plans if they can get the existing manufacturers to agree to provide customer teams with their current engines at a cheaper rate.

Ferrari defended the use of their veto on the proposed €12m cost limit, with Maurizio Arrivabene insisting "legitimate commercial" reasons lay behind the decision as they had budgeted for a certain return for their outlay on the V6 turbo engines which can cost up to twice as much.

Mercedes, who supply more customers with engines than anyone else, have made clear they are willing to discuss a compromise solution with the FIA, but insisted they already lose "substantial" money on their F1 engine operation.

The power of the two leading manufacturers - Ferrari and Mercedes will supply more than half the grid in 2016 - has been highlighted by the engine crisis gripping former world champions Red Bull, whose request for units was rebuffed by both of their rivals, plunging their future in the sport into doubt.

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