FIA president Max Mosley wrote to all 11 team principals on Saturday confirming a freeze on engine development from 2008 despite manufacturers trying to water down the move. This means that the engines used in 2008 will be those being used on June 1, 2006. Formula One has seven engine manufacturers: BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes, Renault, Toyota and Cosworth.
The FIA is trying to cut costs and level the playing field between manufacturers and independent teams. But, the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GMPA) which groups all but Ferrari and Cosworth has been trying to reach a compromise that would allow limited engine development after 2007.
The FIA president said the focus now should be on "modern and relevant technologies" with a future re-formulation of engine rules based on energy use rather than capacity. He said, "with the current manufacturers' support, Formula One could be positioned at the cutting edge of fuel-efficiency research and development, demonstrating environmental relevance to the world's policy makers and accelerating environmental benefits for the world's motoring consumers."
