F1 considers diesel future

THE world governing body of motor sport has reportedly put forward a radical proposal for Formula One cars to be powered by low-revving turbo-diesel engines from as early as 2011.

F1 Racing magazine says that a document has been sent to car manufacturers by the President of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Max Mosley.

As well as the existing manufacturers involved in F1 – Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Ferrari, BMW, Toyota and Honda – the proposal for Grand Prix racing from 2011-2014 was also sent to Ford and VW-Audi as potential candidates to enter the sport’s premier category.

The magazine reports that Mr Mosley’s proposal is for F1 to become more environmentally friendly by adopting 2.2-litre turbocharged engines rev-limited to 10,000rpm and running on bio-diesel fuel.

Furthermore, the engines – which would produce about 580kW of power – would be required to last five Grand Prix weekends without being changed.

Current F1 2.5-litre V8 petrol engines produce more than 700kW and have to last two Grands Prix.

Other mooted aspects of the F1 proposals include allowing four-wheel drive, traction control and a 13-second power-boost function to aid overtaking (as used in A1 GP and CART Indycar racing).

Mr Mosley has long promoted the concept of F1 becoming greener, cheaper and more relevant to road cars.