Post here all non technical related topics about Formula One. This includes race results, discussions, testing analysis etc. TV coverage and other personal questions should be in Off topic chat.
richard_leeds wrote:Lets see if there is a track version of the MP-12C fitted with a 1.6 litre 6 cylinder turbo by time we get to 2016. It'll not be a direct copy of an F1 engine, but it'll signal intent to develop engine capability.
I was thinking along the same lines, but not the 12C. Perhaps an MP-6R? A bit like a Lotus Exige, perhaps. Sure they can sit on a big Supercar for a few years, but it would go a long way if they were to produce a fun small car that more people can afford.
I seriously doubt if a turbo V6 for the road would have much in common with a competitive Formula version of the same?
All in all, when developing a new engine according to the 2014 concept with recovering systems and all will be a rather costly proposal, I'm afraid that we might be heading for a Mercedes vs Renault and Ferrari situation in 2014 and beyond.
Unless of course Craig Pollock proves to have a wealthy backer behind PURE, why I can't help wondering about McLaren's plans.
"I spent most of my money on wine and women...I wasted the rest"
I think Honda could be tempted back, McLaren Honda has always had a ring to it, just like Williams Renault.
I don't think McLaren would want to upset BMW by using Audi/VW engines. I think Audi/VW would rather join F1 as a constructor. It would be a logical progression from Le Mans, just like Toyota did.
With India's rise to F1 who'd rule out one day seeing a McLaren Tata in say 2018 ?!
Hangaku - I doubt McLaren would ever do a car that normal folk could afford, it'd undermine their brand. I'd love a model pitched at SLK or X3/4 market, but its not giong to happen. My ideal model would be a McLaren aimed at competing with Caterham
X - Of course no road car has much in common with an F1 car. I was suggesting that McL setting up fully fledged engine production including race tuning would indicate their intent. As opposed to the current outsourced & rebadged Ricardo block.
iwalker147 wrote:I think Honda could be tempted back, McLaren Honda has always had a ring to it, just like Williams Renault.
I don't think McLaren would want to upset BMW by using Audi/VW engines. I think Audi/VW would rather join F1 as a constructor. It would be a logical progression from Le Mans, just like Toyota did.
With India's rise to F1 who'd rule out one day seeing a McLaren Tata in say 2018 ?!
It's a tricky situation for McLaren. I think there is very little chance of them staying with Mercedes engines for the V6 era from 2014, but they're going to have to delay any decision as late as possible to keep Mercedes sweet and as helpful as they can be until then. On the other hand they have to keep sponsors and backers happy and confident that they're not just a Mercedes B team.
Mercedes-Benz also only now power McLaren racing as McLaren automotive have developed an engine with Ricardo for the 12C.
Mclaren developing their own F1 engine is a looooong way off just yet.
And VW/Audi will not be joining a V6 formula, it does not sit well at Wolfsburg who had the appetite for the 4cyl drones they feed most of europe with.
as pointed out before. VW/Audi showed interest in F1.... F1 went out of its way, even making ferrari, its oldest team mad, by introducing 1.6lt I4 turbos.
VW/Audi, after seeing F1 bend over backwards, NEVER commited to anything...hense the embarassing back track, to V6's. So to be quite honest, being an VW passat owner myself, would gladly prefure them to stay out!
Besides if there F1 engine is anywhere as reliable as there 2ltr turbo diesel engines, its a good job they never entered F1. Hence why my 2yr old passat is being traded in TODAY, in favour of a new Kia Pro-ceed
VW will not enter F1 unless the business rules change. As long as Bernie and the bankers rob all the money VW (Piech) will not decide to sink a fortune into that racing series just to make other people rich. It is a matter of principle with Piech. He will not invest unless he and his competitors have enough influence on the rule and the business side. In F1 all the decisions are made by the chassis contructors and by Bernie. Piech will not accept this. Unless the automotive manufacturers are guaranteed a significant influence on the competition and business rules he will stay away.
Formula One's fundamental ethos is about success coming to those with the most ingenious engineering and best ..............................organization, not to those with the biggest budget. (Dave Richards)
