F1: FIA loophole allows running 2015 engine updates

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It has been confirmed that Formula 1 manufacturers are now allowed to introduce running updates and continue to develop their engines throughout the 2015 season. This development comes after FIA acknowledged that there was a loophole in the regulations that allowed for it, Autosport reports.

Mercedes was all-conquering last season, romping home to both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. Rivals Ferrari and Renault (the latter powering Red Bull), lobbied for the easing of F1’s engine freeze but to no avail.

However, it emerged in December that the engine rules did not actually stipulate when a final engine had to be lodged for 2015. Turns out that while the governing body expected that new engines would have to be homologated for the first race (Australia, March 13-15), it was never laid down in black and white. Ferrari’s technical director James Allison brought up the matter at the Abu Dhabi GP.

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“It was always envisaged, although not explicitly stated in the rules, that manufacturers would have to deal with modifications on the engine within the constraints of the rules, and then submit their 2015 engine [at the first race]. It is simple, but when you read it [the rule book], it doesn’t say that unfortunately,” an FIA spokesman admitted.

FIA has subsequently told teams that the “most logical and robust” way forward is to accept that there is no actual date for 2015 homologation. It means that engine upgrades can be introduced throughout the season, as long as manufacturers stick to the 32 development token limit (around 48% of the power unit) and do not exceed the four-engine per car season limit.

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However, the above will not apply to Honda, which is making a comeback as McLaren’s engine supplier. FIA is standing by its view that Honda must stick to the February 28 date that the existing manufacturers faced last year, to be fair.

“As the existing manufacturers were obliged to homologate their power units by 28 February 2014 it would seem fair and equitable to ask a new manufacturer to homologate their power unit before February 28 2015. We therefore consider this to be a requirement for a new power unit manufacturer,” said the FIA’s Charlie Whiting.

With this latest development, can we expect a closer fight this season?

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • blackbox on Jan 05, 2015 at 7:07 pm

    Alonso must be seriously piss off for switching to McLaren.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
    • No, he will be happy with the new Honda engine. Proton? Eat smoke jer…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 15
      • F1 Bernie Suxxs on Jan 06, 2015 at 10:20 am

        even my lawn mover sounds better than the F1 V6 engines that replaced the V8 … gives me a migraine hearing the F1 engines

        No wonder why Seb Vet says it sounds like SHIT too

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
      • leonardo on Jan 06, 2015 at 4:46 pm

        VTEC, this article says nothing about Proton. If you are not a F1 fan, go to another blog or wait for another article about Proton.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
      • kolejeon on Jan 06, 2015 at 7:24 pm

        Why everything must relate to Proton? Boring!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • Nenek Kau on Jan 05, 2015 at 8:52 pm

    Good job James Allison. Hopefully he can revive ferrari especially kimi to the podium!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • drMpower on Jan 05, 2015 at 9:45 pm

    it is quite wrong for a sports that suppose to be the pinnacle among their kinds, to impose limitations. what i cannot brain is rules after rules, F1 has become more and more boring.

    the big engine gone. then the downforce. oh before that the gas hose. lolipop. the sound. all the exciting stuffs, gone. and now this engine thing. okay somebody got burn, well this is contact sports. deal with it. and be extra careful next time. how many times – countless – world championships were decided during that pitstop timing alone?

    the radio ban. thats another exciting thing off.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 15
  • summicron on Jan 06, 2015 at 1:56 am

    McLaren-Honda. Marlboro. Senna … where have the time gone.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • prabowi on Jan 06, 2015 at 8:09 am

    Typical bamboo ceiling. Honda is being discriminated once again.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • heybadigol (Member) on Jan 06, 2015 at 9:20 am

    The FIA person who wrote the rulebook should be punished. They can come out with such weird technical restrictions (with approval by majority of the teams), yet can’t make a simple relevant deadline. One wonders whether Ron Dennis might make a big complaint on why Honda is not allowed to follow the loophole. Or maybe he is very confident in Honda’s ability that he thinks they can take the fight to Mercedes.

    Anyways, even with the loophole, teams are still limited in terms of the tokens they can use. Its not like they can come up with a completely new power unit. At least it allows Ferrari & Renault to catch up with Mercedes.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • nabill (Member) on Jan 06, 2015 at 11:59 am

    The loophole is made for da big guys i suppose, feels like the loophole is purposly made rather than a mistake

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • leonardo on Jan 06, 2015 at 4:43 pm

    Looks like whoever now have the best lawyers would have a distinct technical advantage! How ironic.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • sarin on Jan 08, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    F1 head honchos are putting regulations straight from thier asses…list of things that are certain in life… morning, night, death, taxes and of course F1 ass pulled regulations.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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