FIA confirms new 2017 engine regulations

Formula 1’s new engine regulations for the 2017 season have been approved by the World Motor Sport Council.

Formula 1 bosses had been given a deadline of April 30th in which to set new regulations that would govern the engines from 2017 onward.

And although there were some concerns that the deadline would pass without any agreement, the FIA has announced that the new rules have been given the go-ahead.

The FIA statement read: “The global agreement on power units covers four key areas relating to the cost and supply price, obligation to supply, performance convergence and the sound of the power units.

“As part of the power unit agreement, adherence to the measures outlined below will see the FIA commit to supporting power unit regulations stability and the maintaining of the current Formula One governance structure for the 2017-2020 period.

The four key areas:
Cost
Agreement has been reached on a significant reduction in the price of power unit supply to customer teams and a reduction in cost to manufacturers over the coming years.

– In 2017 the power unit price for customer teams will be reduced by €1m per season compared to 2016.

– From 2018, the annual supply price will be reduced by a further €3m.

– Cost reduction on power units will be driven by changes to the Sporting and Technical regulations in 2017 and 2018, with a progressive reduction of the number of power unit elements per driver per season.

Supply
Supply of power units to customer teams will be ensured, as the homologation procedure will include an “obligation to supply” that will be activated in the event of a team facing an absence of supply.

Performance Convergence
The new agreement includes a package of measures aimed at achieving performance convergence.

– The token system is to be removed from 2017

– Additionally, constraints on power unit part weights, dimensions and materials, and on boost pressure will be introduced in 2017 and in 2018.

Sound
Manufacturers are currently conducting a promising research programme into further improving the sound of the current power units, with the aim of implementation by 2018 at the latest.