F1: Budget engine on strategy group agenda

The proposal of an alternative 'budget' engine will be on the agenda when the Formula 1 Strategy Group meets in Paris on Tuesday.

The cost of a customer supply, believed to be in the region of 20 million euros [$21m], has been a cause of concern since the new 1.6-lit V6 engines were introduced at the start of 2014. Since Ferrari vetoed plans last month to cut to a figure revealed by Todt in a media briefing in Mexico as 12 million euros [$13m], the FIA and F1 chief exexutive Bernie Ecclestone proposed a cheaper alternative, with performance equivalence to ensure a level playing field. It has had a mixed response with Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost backing the initiative, but Mercedes chief Toto Wolff believes it will not work, arguing it would be impossible to achieve performance equivalence.

Alongside the budget engine and performance equivalence discussion, the topic of a name change for the Manor-run Marussia team is also on the agenda. The back-of-the-grid team is going through a transition period, with team principal John Booth and sporting director Graeme Lowdon leaving after the Abu Dhabi GP and ex-McLaren man Dave Ryan joining as racing director.

Also on the agenda is the subject of the aero rules for 2017, with various alternatives be discussed including Red Bull's proposal that involves the return of ground effect underbodies. Minor aerodynamic changes for next season are also believed to be on the agenda, as is tire testing and the subject of a test mule car for Pirelli. The Italian manufacturer faces a challenge to develop significantly different tires for 2017 without having access to a car in which to test them.

The proposals will be escalated to the F1 Commission, which will meet Tuesday afternoon, for approval before requiring ratification by the World Motor Sport Council in December.

Originally on Autosport.com