F1 setting up a Green Future

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Formula One is preparing itself for a period of progressive change towards greater fuel efficiency, clearer 'green' credentials and much bigger popularity with car makers and racing fans.

This vision of a future when 'green equals cool' and accelerates the sport's brand vision towards a more eco-friendly set of values suitable for a new age of low carbon emissions was spelt out by team chiefs this week.

Mercedes' boss Ross Brawn and McLaren's Martin Whitmarsh were members of a panel that met F1 supporters at 'meet the fans' forum organised by the Formula One Teams' Organisation (FOTA) at the McLaren headquarters on Thursday.

Referring to the introduction of new 1.6-litre V6 turbo-charged engines in 2014, Brawn said: "It's not only about the fact that the new engine is going to be more efficient in itself.

"It's the message it gives -- that it's cool to have a really efficient engine and race on a lot less fuel."

The FIA has also announced that the new 1.6L V6 turbo engines will have a rev limit of 15,000rpm and will still ensure Formula One has a unique sound.

Who said What?

Mercedes boss Ross Brawn

“One of the exciting things in the future is that engines are going to come back into the equation. They're very sterile in a way, very similar, so I'm really excited that engines are again going to be part of the equation, something where we can create relevance again.”

McLaren team principal and the chairman of the Formula One Teams Association, Martin Whitmarsh

“I've argued for diversity myself in the past. Although the regulations are fixed, they typically evolve, and if you had a range of engines then it would be clear after a year one solution was the right one. At that point a manufacturer would develop the alternate configuration.” Whitmarsh added, “So it's about reducing the risk, and I hope in the future we can have four or five automotive manufacturers in the sport at any one time. They're always going to come in and out as it suits them and works for their marketing programme.”

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo

"The choice of having a V6 turbo engine from 2014 is the right one and I am pleased to note that common sense prevailed," Montezemolo told the Ferrari website (www.ferrari.com) before flying to Japan. "It shows we are working together without pointless counterproposals or diktat, if it leads to the best outcome for the good of this sport."