In a move to pledge equity between F1 engine manufacturers and their customers, the FIA has ruled out the former supplying different spec engines to the latter group from 2016.
The governing body published regulations today which stipulate the following:
Article 23.5 of F1's 2016 Sporting Regulations: "Only power units which are identical to the power unit that has been homologated by the FIA in accordance with Appendix 4 of these regulations may be used at an Event during the 2016- 2020 Championship seasons."
With Red Bull Racing still seeking an engine supplier for next season, the FIA's decision is intended to alleviate concerns around second-tier engine supply, aiming directly at Ferrari's suggestion that it would eventually be willing to supply the Milton Keynes outfit but only with 2015-spec power units, a prospect Red Bull obviously disapproves.
However, the FIA also ratified an article which enables a possible change of the regulations, if all teams agree.
Article 1.2 of the rules says: "These Sporting Regulations were published on 30 September 2015 and may only be changed after this date with the unanimous agreement of all competitors entered in the 2016 Championship, save for changes made by the FIA for safety reasons which may come into effect without notice or delay."
It's worth noting that engine manufacturers Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda and Renault will be meeting with the FIA on Thursday for an extensive discussion on power unit rules, including possible ways of leveling the playing field.
Red Bull's ongoing concerns, which have put the team's future involvement in F1 into question, are sure to be addressed, and any decisions which would enable Renault or Honda to potentially generate a leap forward in engine development could impact Red Bull's plans favorably.
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