F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Aston Martin's Palmer backs Todt's 'global engine' idea

Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer believes Jean Todt's idea of a 'global engine' common to a number of motorsport series could make sense.

The FIA president recently tabled the idea of a basic global unit which could be tweaked and adapted to various high-profile championships, believing the concept could drastically reduce engine costs.

The approach was met with skepticism by various series organisers however who expressed concerns over practicality.

Aston Martin will be Red Bull Racing's title sponsor this season and Palmer is currently studying the possibility of entering the sport as an engine manufacturer in 2021, when F1 ushers in its new rules.

"There’s two things," said the CEO of the luxury car maker.

"One, some guys could make a business out of making the engine which is good, as opposed to it being just a marketing play.

"And secondly it puts the emphasis back on the drivers."

From junior categories like F3 and F2, to IndyCar, the LMP1 class in the World Endurance Championship and F1, every International series is governed by a specific set of engine rules.

Given Ferrari's recent adverse reaction to standardization and its subsequent threat to quit Grand Prix racing should Liberty endorse such an approach, it's highly doubtful Todt's idea will ever gain any traction.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Las Vegas GP: Thursday's action in pictures

The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…

20 mins ago

Williams' headaches persist into Vegas practice

Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…

1 hour ago

Ferrari's Sainz 'not satisfied with where we are' in Vegas

It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…

3 hours ago

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

4 hours ago

Hamilton delighted with ‘consistently strong day’ in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…

5 hours ago

Verstappen stuck with 'draggy' rear wing for Vegas

Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…

6 hours ago