FIA president Jean Todt faces a potentially decisive test of his leadership on Wednesday when the F1 Commission meets at a Heathrow hotel to discuss engine regulations post-2012.
Together again: Jean Todt (right) with F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone Photo: GETTY IMAGES
Todt, in consultation with Formula One manufacturers, proposed a more fuel-efficient 1.6litre four cylinder turbo engine in an effort to boost the sport’s green credentials and make it more relevant to the road car industry.
The engine was voted through last year by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council.
However, in much the same way as he encouraged the teams to reject the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix a fortnight ago, The Daily Telegraph understands that Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has written a letter to the F1 Commission, which includes Todt, claiming that the vote over the engine ran counter to the the governing body’s own constitution.
With only Renault of the four F1 engine manufacturers now supportive of the 1.6 engine – and with Ferrari and Ecclestone dead opposed – Todt may not have enough support to see through his pet project.
He is likely to point out that Ecclestone was part of the world council which voted last year, as was Ferrari’s Stefano Domenicali, but whether he can drive through the change remains to be seen.
Credit: The Telegraph (www.telegraph.co.uk)
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