As previously reported, the Formula One Commission has rejected plans to introduce a cheaper, independent engine supply.

"The F1 Commission voted not to pursue this option at this stage," said the FIA in a statement this morning, "however, it may be reassessed after the power unit manufacturers have presented their proposal to the Strategy Group.

Whilst the proposal was accepted by the F1 Strategy Group, which is made up of the FIA, FOM and the six leading teams, it was subsequently rejected by the Formula One Commission which includes all 11 teams, eight race promoters, the FIA, Bernie Ecclestone, Pirelli, the four engine manufacturers, fuel companies and even some sponsors.

With the FIA and FOM each holding six votes, the six teams on the Strategy Group have one apiece, consequently they can never out-vote the powers that be. However, in terms of the Formula One Commission just eighteen votes are needed for a vote to pass.

As it awaits the next move from the current manufacturers, the FIA confirmed that four companies, known to include Ilmor, Mecachrome and AER, have shown interest in becoming the independent engine supplier in 2017, the new unit being a 2.2-litre V6 twin turbo with no energy recovery system.

It is widely believed that the whole independent engine move is a bluff by the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone, the main aims being to force the current manufacturers to agree to a cost-cap and also guarantee supplying a minimum number of teams, an issue raised by the ongoing Red Bull saga.

"The manufacturers, in conjunction with the FIA, will present a proposal by 15 January, 2016, that will seek to provide solutions to the above concerns," read the statement.

"The proposal will include the establishment of a minimum number of teams that a manufacturer must supply, ensuring that all teams will have access to a power unit.

"Measures will also be put forward to reduce the cost of the supply of hybrid power units for customer teams, as well as improving their noise."

"All stakeholders agreed that the developments will aim for the 2017 season at the earliest, and 2018 at the latest.

"The first meeting between the FIA and the Power Unit manufacturers on this topic will be held this week at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix."

The move by the FIA, which has more than a hint of Max Mosley about it, suggests that whilst the engine manufacturers have won the battle, in terms of the Formula One Commission's rejection, the subsequent pincer movement looks likely to sees the FIA and Ecclestone win the war.

Even if there are a few casualties.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Tweek, 26/11/2015 1:44

"Just imagine if this sport possessed a strong independent governing body capable of issuing rules to the participants and enforcing those rules as it saw fit. F1 resembles American wrestling these days. Lots of posturing, speeches, and showboating backed up with very little action. "

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2. Posted by ClarkwasGod, 25/11/2015 18:53

"Time to call the manufacturers' bluff - they have held F1 to ransom long enough. That Ilmore, AER and Mechachrome want to be involved means there is sufficient capacity to supply the whole field - you can guarantee that Ferrari would also become an engine supplier should these damned PU's get ditched."

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3. Posted by Canuck, 25/11/2015 14:48

"Will these alternative engines be subjected to the same limitations as the current manufacturers? Limited development - 4 engines per year, development limited by tokens as it limited Honda this year? Would these units also be limited to same fuel supply? What if the Engine cap was placed on supply of previous year power units? You want this years engine - full cost, last years engine at reduced cost as development costs have been amortized. What about the FIA and FOM having a mor equitable distribution of funds to help pay those engines. what about a $15- 20 million up front participation fund to all entrants. This could be taken from the FOM/CVC moneys and reduce the final distribution. So many options are available if only FIA and FOM were true players in trying to improve the sport. I am sure a little investment from both would pay dividends in improved viewership."

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4. Posted by SideGlance, 25/11/2015 12:42

"Is this anything more than a bunch of greedy self-centered teams with greedy self-centered owners being greedy self-centered A$$holes and not caring for an enjoyable & competitive F1 series ??"

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