Formula One costs will be cut from next year by at least 30 per cent as a result of cost-cutting measures including a ban on testing during the season, according to UK press reports.
In a statement to the press, the FIA, the sport's governing body, said that independent teams would see engine costs halved in 2009, with a year's supply priced at five million Euros (£4.47m) from 2010. Testing will also be banned during the season other than at regular Friday practice at grand prix weekends, and from 2010 refuelling will cease and grand prix distances could be shortened.
The FIA estimates that the new measures will save manufacturer-owned teams the equivalent of 30 per cent of their 2008 budgets next year, with independent teams seeing even greater reductions.
"I think this is probably the first step towards Formula One saving itself," FIA president Max Mosley said. "What's significant about these changes is when you walk down the pit lane, or you sit in the grandstand or watch television, you will notice no difference at all. It will be Formula One as we all know it but clearly much less expensive."
The FIA World Motor Sport Council, approving changes unanimously agreed by the teams, said engines would be detuned to 18,000 rpm and have to last for three races next season rather than the current two.
The teams will be limited to a maximum of 20 engines per season, eight for each of the two drivers and four for testing - about half their current usage.
"Engines will be available to the independent teams for less than five million euros per team, per season," the FIA said, looking ahead to 2010. "These will either come from an independent supplier or be supplied by the manufacturer teams backed by guarantees of continuity. If an independent supplier, the deal will be signed no later than December 20, 2008. This same engine will continue to be used in 2011 and 2012 (thus no new engine for 2011)".
In addition there will be restrictions on the use of costly wind tunnels from January and reductions on the number of team personnel attending races. The new KERS system, which recovers energy generated under braking to produce additional bursts of power, will not be mandatory next season.
