FIA begins search for budget engine

The FIA is pushing ahead with plans to introduce cheaper engines for independent teams and has opened the tender process.

Smaller teams are struggling to bear the brunt after the price of Formula 1 engines doubled with the introduction of 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engines.

The FIA and Bernie Ecclestone are keen to see an independent engine manufacturer enter the sport, providing power units at a considerably cheaper price.

This supplier would be given a contract that would run from 2017 to 2019.

"The FIA has decided to launch a consultation among the engine manufacturers in order to potentially identify for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons of the aforementioned Championship [F1] an exclusive alternative engine manufacturer which will be solely entitled to supply this alternative engine to the competitors entered for said seasons of the Championship," stated an FIA document.

"The FIA is now calling for expressions of interest to identify candidates interested in becoming the exclusive supplier of the alternative engine to the competitors. This call for expressions of interest is governed by French law."

Any company interested must submit documents relating to their technical and financial capabilities by November 23.