F1: FIA Confirms New Turbo Era In 2013

Formula 1

F1: FIA Confirms New Turbo Era In 2013

A new 1.6-liter engine formula is coming to Formula One...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted December 10, 2010 Balen (BEL)

Frenchman and FIA president Jean Todt is a staunch advocate of the proposed turbo engine. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

The FIA has finally formally confirmed that a new 1.6-liter engine formula is coming for 2013. Although the move has been in the pipeline for some time, there had been attempts to postpone its introduction.

The four existing manufacturers - Cosworth, Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari - now have some 27 months until their new engines have to be on a F1 grid for the first time. VW/Audi is also waiting on the sidelines.

The move is part of the FIA's laudable attempt to make F1 greener and encourage sustainability, traits that will make it easier for car makers to justify future investment in F1.

A FIA press release outlined the change as follows: “The WMSC approved the introduction of a new specification engine from 2013, underlining the FIA’s commitment to improving sustainability and addressing the needs of the automotive industry. Following dialogue with the engine manufacturers and experts in this field, the power units will be four cylinders, 1.6 liter with high pressure gasoline injection up to 500 bar with a maximum of 12,000 rpm.

“The engines will deliver a 35 percent reduction in fuel consumption and will feature extensive energy management and energy recovery systems, while maintaining current levels of performance. In 2013, five engines will be permitted per driver, but each year after that the limit will be four.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 26th season as a racing journalist in 2010. Born in London, England, he saw his first F1 race at age 10 in 1976. He began freelancing for Autosport magazine in 1985 and was on the fulltime staff from 1987-92. He then went freelance again, initially spending two years in Japan before following the 1994 Champcar series from a base in Indianapolis. He has not missed a Grand Prix since Suzuka ‘94, a run that has extended to Abu Dhabi ’09. Adam has written books about Eddie Irvine, Piers Courage and Michael Schumacher. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Check out Adam's Blog or follow him on Twitter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adam Cooper

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR

F1: No Interest In Taking Over Lola, Says Caterham
A Caterham spokesman says the team is not planning to buy the troubled…
F1: Sauber CEO Kaltenborn Handed One-Third Of Team
Sauber CEO Monisha Kaltenborn now owns a one-third stake in the Sauber…
F1: Race Car Maker Lola Hits Financial Crisis
Legendary racing car manufacturer Lola is in financial trouble...…