FIA president Jean Todt has stated that their will be no changes to the new engine regulations scheduled to come into effect in 2013.
FIA president reminds Ferrari and Ecclestone that they agreed to 2013 changes
FIA president Jean Todt has stated that their will be no changes to the new engine regulations scheduled to come into effect in 2013, despite the concerns of Ferrari and Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has stated that the changes, in which greener 1.6-litre four cylinder turbocharged engines will replace the current 2.4-litre normally aspirated V8s, is not in alignment with the Italian marque's roadcar business model and so will prove costly.
Ecclestone, meanwhile, is concerned the switch will be bad for the show of Formula One and will potentially turn sponsors away.
Speaking on Sunday at the Turkish Grand Prix, Todt reminded both Ferrari and Ecclestone that they agreed to the changes at a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in December.
"Who is part of the World Council?" pondered Todt in a media briefing held at the Istanbul Park circuit.
"We have 26 members and among them you have two representatives of the F1 world.
"One is the oldest team representative, which is Ferrari, and the other one is the representative of the commercial rights, which is Bernie Ecclestone.
"I repeat it was unanimously agreed. So in 2013 we will have the introduction of the new engine."
Even so, the former Ferrari team principal suggested that if overwhelming opposition surfaced at a meeting scheduled to discuss the changes at the Spanish Grand Prix later this month, then they could yet be revised.
"In the next meeting we could say if we have strong new evidence dramatic things could happen and we could reconsider something," added Todt.
"But at the moment there is no reason to reconsider it because it has been unanimously agreed, again after lengthy discussions and meetings with people who are involved in this business."
Veto
Todt also refused to be drawn into the speculation of a potential takeover of F1's commercial rights, which are held by private equity company CVC.
News Corporation and investment firm EXOR confirmed earlier in the week that they were exploring the possibility of forming a consortium to launch a bid.
Todt did say, however, is that the FIA has the right of veto in relation to any potential new owner.
"From what I know CVC has no intention of selling," said Todt.
"If it happens in five years, 10 years, it's not a question for me, it's a question to CVC.
"If one day CVC decides they want to sell the rights, if I am still president I will speak with my people in the FIA and we will say if we are happy or not with the people who want to take over."
Todt also announced that he would like the ban on in-season testing lifted, potentially accommodating three two-day sessions, in particular to help the emergence of fresh driving talent.
