F1: Kaltenborn says budget engine chat pointless

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn believes the independent Formula 1 engine proposal is a "waste of time" because it is pointless having a discussion about something that will not happen.

But Kaltenborn feels F1 bosses have rushed into the concept without fully thinking it through and are neglecting the question of how equivalency between the budget engine and the manufacturers' current turbocharged V6 hybrids can possibly be achieved.

"From the logic I have to say I want a cheaper engine," she said. "You have to do something which at the end of day makes sense. We should not have a discussion, in this case independent engines, which later on we know is not going to come out this way. It's more sensible to have a mature discussion about it.

"I don't see how it is that you can get equivalency in there. If there is a way, which I currently don't know, then tell us. We should not have premature discussions. It's a waste of time because we don't have enough information to assess how they want to implement this.

"If it is serious to these people, I would request more information to understand it better. If it is not serious, then I think it is better to sit down and talk about the current engine supply price."

The cost of a customer supply has been a cause of concern since the new 1.6-liter V6 engines were introduced at the start of last season.

It is understood a supply costs in the region of 20million euros and Kaltenborn has been vocal in calling for that figure to be reduced.

After Ferrari vetoed plans last month to cut the price to 12million euros [$12.7m], the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone unveiled plans to offer an cheaper alternative specification.

Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff has already argued the proposal "will not work" and shares Kaltenborn's scepticism over performance equivalence.

Originally on Autosport.com