Formula One’s governing body is moving forward with its plan to have a sole engine and transmission supplier beginning in 2010, saying some parties have shown interest in the bidding process.
FIA said in a statement on Monday that it “received a number of questions from interested parties regarding” the invitation to tender it made on Oct. 17.
The governing body intends to introduce rule amendments “requiring all competitors must use a standardized engine and transmission system” for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Ferrari is not pleased with the decision, saying it could pull out of F1 if the changes go through. Following a board meeting on Monday, the Italian team said in a statement that introducing a standardized engine would eliminate the essence of a sport “based on competition and technological development.”
“The board of Ferrari, confirming its full support for the substantial and necessary reduction in costs starting with engines, has however expressed strong reservations about the project to equalize or standardize engines,” the Ferrari statement said. “The board reserves the right to consider, together with our partners, our presence in this discipline.”
Ferrari, controlled by Italian car firm Fiat, won last year’s world constructors’ championship and their driver Kimi Raikkonen took the individual title.
His team mate Felipe Massa is in the running for this season’s title, with the final Grand Prix taking place in Brazil on Sunday.
The FIA said that joint bids for engines and transmissions and for engines alone must be submitted by next Friday. Bids for power transmission systems alone won’t be due until three weeks later.
Some teams had initially complained about the proposal, but the measure is part of the FIA’s moves to reduce costs in F1 amid the global financial crisis.
The FIA also said it also intends to set minimum usage requirements based on kilometers. Changing an engine or transmission system before the minimum requirement would bring penalties for teams.
The exclusive engine supplier will provide either the full engine or the information so the teams can build them. The sole supplier will work with the FIA to ensure that all engines and parts are in accordance to the rules.
The supplier of transmission systems will provide them ready to use to all competitors. The bidders will quote overall prices per car and per season of between 18 and 20 races, plus 30,000km of testing, the FIA said.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, also head of the Formula One Teams Association, recently met FIA chief Max Mosley to discuss cost cutting measures, saying he was satisfied with progress made during the talks.
However, the company’s board are not impressed with the standard engine idea.
“The [board] felt that such a move would detract from the entire raison d’etre of a sport with which Ferrari has been involved continuously since 1950, a raison d’etre based principally on competition and technology development,” the statement read.
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has backed the FIA’s standard engine proposal and rejected suggestions that it might push some manufacturers towards the exit.
“We’re trying to get a level playing field,” he told reporters earlier this month. “I don’t see why [manufacturers] should leave, we’re saving them an awful lot of money I hope. All the technical things will still be there, they can show all of their talent.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and