Abiteboul still determined to have three-engine rule scrapped

Cyril Abiteboul, Renault Sport Racing Managing Director, Italian Grand Prix

Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul is determined to lobby for a late change to this year's three-engine limit rule.

The new rule, which Red Bull's Christian Horner agrees is "barking mad", will sees teams' engine allocation per driver drop from four to three basic power units.

Three elements however - the MGU-K, energy store and control electronics parts - fall from three to just two components for the entire 21-race campaign.

The restrictive trend was started back in 2004 with the introduction of F1's one-engine-per-weekend rule destined to reduce costs.

While Renault is confident it can deliver a competitive and reliable unit this year despite the reduction, Abiteboul is still intended on trying to get the powers that be to scrap the decision as it simply makes no sense in his view.

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"It's a headache but it's a known headache," he told Sky Sports News.

"We knew that it was coming so we have built our plans and strategy accordingly. Right now there is nothing to indicate that we can't stick to this plan.

"Having said that, I still don't believe it's the right thing for Formula 1 and will still have another go [to change it] in the upcoming discussions with FIA and FOM and other teams because I don't think it really makes sense for anyone."

Abiteboul's efforts aren't likely to be successful as FIA president Jean Todt recently made clear that there's not a ghost of a chance the three-engine rule will be scrapped.

"It is something that was decided," said the governing body's president.

"Some people are still thinking, why don't we have one engine for the whole championship? It is not something that is new. It was decided years ago for 2018.

"We had some meetings with teams and the way the regulations are made and the governance are made, to decide now to go back to four engines, or let's go back, we need to be in 100 percent agreement.

"And we don't get 100 percent agreement. So we are down to three engines."

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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.