FIA president Jean Todt says a strict deadline is needed on new engine regulations for the 2021 season if they're to attract new manufacturers to Formula 1, insisting the end of the year would be the latest possible date.
Although an outline for the new engine was proposed last year, teams quickly rejected it claiming it would require huge investment and likely drive away current manufacturers and therefore have the opposite impact on the sport, which wants to retain its current four suppliers whilst also attracting new companies.
Todt insists it's important new rules satisfy both parties and although he accuses current suppliers of having a "selective memory" after they agreed to proposed changes which they later hit out at, he's confident a compromise can be found.
"We are just starting the 2018 Formula 1 season and we are now also working on the 2021 regulations," Todt is quoted as saying by Racer. "Clearly – and it's something I've instructed our people – I think it would be very unfair to destroy all of what has been done on the engine to start with a completely white piece of paper.
"So for me it is essential that we optimise what has been developed, what is known. We know that technology is progressing very much. Not only on complication but also on simplification, so the whole idea is to work on what are the engine rules now and make them better.
"Unfortunately, there is a very selective memory – a few months ago we all sat together and we all agreed unanimously on certain adaptations of the engine for the future. The parameters were on the global framework of the actual engine we should have a cheaper engine, more revs, no fuel consumption limitation – being able to go from the first lap to the last lap on full power – increase the fuel flow, improve the noise, hybrid, simpler and to encourage new entrants.
"Everybody agreed on this mandate. So I'm intending that they will respect what they agreed and I am intending that we will respect what we agreed. I am optimistic that we will be able to find a solution. I think we need to be fair to the investments which have been done in Formula 1. Clearly we don't want to lose anybody as a whole or anybody as an engine supplier.
"So it would be unfair to say, 'OK, let's try to get some newcomers' without respecting those who have been trusting us and who intend hopefully to stay. But on the other side I would be very happy to have some newcomers and for that we must have clear rules of the game and announce them as soon as we can because I know – and I've been talking with some potential new entrants – they are interested to come in but they want to know what the rules of the game are. I think it's a fair request and we need to give that as soon as possible."
Todt says a final decision must be made before the end of the year to ensure newcomers have the necessary time to design and build a new engine for the 2021 season.
"If you are talking about introducing new engine manufacturers to be ready by 2021, they must know what it will be by the end of the year. That leaves 2019 and 2020 to make the engine, which is a fair period."
