Highlights

F1 governing body seeks five-year engine freeze

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-03-28 09:49

LONDON, March 27 - Formula One's governing body has agreed with Ferrari, Renault and engine maker Cosworth that engine regulations should be frozen from 2008 to 2012.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said in a statement on Monday that the proposal intended to "encourage research into engine efficiency and the more effective use of available energy".

All those present at the meeting at Ferrari's Maranello factory on Friday agreed on extending a three-year freeze initially put forward by the FIA to five years.

However, certain modifications would be allowed on an annual basis, provided details were provided to the governing body before the start of each calendar year in question and a complete engine was delivered by Feb 1.

"No modification will be permitted which, in the opinion of the FIA, may result in a performance gain," the statement added.

The governing body said those present would also seek to change the 2007 sporting regulations to bring forward the 2008 proposals.

The engine regulations changed this season, with teams using 2.4 litre V8 units instead of 3.0 litre V10s. So far, champions Renault have shown the greatest reliability in winning the first two races.