Prost: 'F1 will never go back to V8 engines'

As F1 embarks on its quest for its future power unit platform, Alain Prost believes F1's manufacturers will never accept to go back to V8 or V10 engines.

F1 sporting manager Ross Brawn is hard at work defining the engine which will power Grand Prix racing into the future.

Basic discussions which have taken place at several working group meetings appear to favour a twin-turbo V6 concept with simplified hybrid technology.

For Prost, the choice makes sense as a mentality change and a paradigm shift within the industry precludes manufacturers from returning to the naturally-aspirated formula which was in force until 2013.

"The way they are thinking now, there are no constructors who would like to go back to normally-aspirated engines," Prost told Crash.net.

"They would like to have engines at least not as complicated as what we have today, but keep the electricity involved in a different way, maybe using it in different things.

"They would not like to go back, which makes sense."

• Hybrid technology in next F1 engine could be tactical tool - Brawn

Manufacture interest in Formula E is undoubtedly ramping up, as Mercedes and Porsche's recent commitments demonstrates.

But Prost believes a two pronged approach by manufacturers involving F1 and the burgeoning all-electric series is right. 

"Formula 1 is the pinnacle of technology. Maybe you could change the regulations sometimes and use different technology," Prost said.

"If a constructor on the road is going to make different cars, why wouldn’t you be in Formula 1 and Formula E at the same time? It makes sense.

"We’re learning a lot. It’s good for everybody. When you are a worldwide company, you have a different way of marketing or selling products.

"You have to be in all kinds of things. It’s a world where it’s moving a lot. If you are in different areas, it’s better."

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