Bernie Ecclestone says a new specification of F1 power unit “will probably have more power”, ahead of its planned announcement early next week.
As reported earlier in the weekend, the FIA and Ecclestone have been pushing ahead with plans to allow a second power unit specification which would be cheaper than the current 1.6-litre V6 plans. The move is designed to remove power from the current manufacturers and allow an independent engine manufacturer to supply smaller teams as well as Red Bull, which is currently without a deal.
Ecclestone expects an official announcement to be made early next week and says he doesn’t see the change as creating a two-tier system in F1.
"The FIA will put out a press release on Monday or Tuesday, I don't know,” Ecclestone told reporters in Austin, adding that a “couple” of manufacturers were being targeted.
"[The new engine] will probably have more power, and use more fuel. So it means, I suppose, that there will be some regulation changes, which has already been anticipated for 2017, so there’s nothing new.
"We used to have people running turbo engine and people running normally aspirated. It wasn't a two-tier system. It was a choice. Whatever it is, I anticipate [Mercedes] will be able to continue running their engine and others running the other engine.”
And Ecclestone says there could be a return to refuelling for those running the new power unit specification to limit the deficit in performance from a less economical engine.
"Obviously it can be done. Maybe we will have refuelling again for those that want it. If people have an engine that is super efficient they won't want to obviously. They don't have to."
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