Red Bull doubts results of FIA engine parity study

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Red Bull is at odds with the FIA's claim that engine performance has now been basically achieved in Formula 1.

Following a predetermined process, the governing body undertook a comprehensive analysis of data from all F1 engine manufacturers and has concluded that an acceptable three-tenths of a second per lap exists between Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault.

Earlier this week, Sergio Perez, a Mercedes-powered Force India driver, said that engine parity between the top three manufacturers is close.

"Ferrari has caught up and Renault is not far away," said the Mexican.

But Renault-powered Dr Helmut Marko has questioned the FIA's methodology of having analysed the performance of the three engine makes over a series of laps.

"Probably the in and out laps," he said sarcastically.

As for Perez's claim that Renault has basically caught up to Mercedes, Marko strongly disagrees.

"That's what he said probably because (Renault's) Nico Hulkenberg was faster in Bahrain than he was," Mako told Auto Bild.

Independent engine supply crucial to Red Bull's future

Indeed, Marko may be referring to speculation that Hulkenberg - as the works Renault team's top driver - is getting the pick of the French-made engines.

"These speculations cannot be dismissed," said the Austrian.

The FIA's Charlie Whiting responded to Red Bull's doubts by insisting that the analysis procedure was agreed with the manufacturers.

"It is something that they all signed up to and agreed with the methodology – and that is the most important thing,” he said.

"The four engine manufacturers sat down for hours and hours and thrashed out this rather complex method.

"Obviously this was done among the powerunit manufacturers not the teams, but I think there may be a little element of surprise about this. But we do have convergence as defined by this system.

"We cannot renegotiate it. It is something that has been in place for a year or so now. They have all known how it was going to be done and that is how it has been done. And those are the results."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.