German Car Zone

If cutting costs is the center of F1 right now then how about Bernie decreasing the bloody fees for hosting a race???

That doesn't make any sense. Decreasing competition/team costs coupled with an increase in revenue is the objective.
Less fees means less revenues meaning less money for the teams.

In these harsh times Bernie just said no more cheap skates.

I have the proposal for 2010 season in front of me.

In brief:

* All cars will be powered by pressurized oxygen

* All cars will have an exterior frame made out of recycled plastic bags

* Tires will be made out of left-over WWI rubber boots

* Each team is obliged to have at least one (1) environmental organization as a sponsor

FIA invite tenders for single engine

Formula One's governing body has said it intends to change the rules to force teams to use a standard engine from 2010 as part of a cost-cutting drive.

The FIA issued a statement announcing a tender for "a third-party supplier of engines and transmission systems" to be used by all teams in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
The tender process comes ahead of a meeting scheduled between FIA president Max Mosley and the Formula One Teams Association in Geneva after this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.
The FIA has argued that the costs of F1 are unsustainable in the current economic climate and must be slashed to ensure none of the 10 teams leave the sport.
"The FIA intends to amend the regulations to require all Formula One competitors to use a standardised engine," said a spokesman, adding however that teams would be allowed to build it themselves.
"The provider will set out a detailed design for a standardised engine and either supply it in full working order or the detailed design in order to enable competitors to build their own standardised engine," he added.
"Where they want to build all or part of a standardised engine, the appointed provider will assist the FIA to ensure that all engines and parts have been built in accordance with the approved providers' designs and allow a performance output within a prescribed range."
The statement may be seen within the paddock as part of a familiar carrot-and-stick approach by the FIA to persuade the teams to swallow a more palatable alternative.
In the agenda for the Geneva meeting, a third option envisaged manufacturers supplying independent teams with a complete powertrain - engine and gearbox - package for less than five million euros per team, per season.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone backed the FIA's standard engine stance and rejected suggestions that it might push some manufacturers towards the exit.
"We're trying to get a level playing field," he said. "I don't see why [manufacturers] should leave, we're saving them an awful lot of money I hope.
"All the technical things will still be there: they can show all of their talent."
Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, who owns the Force India team, and Toro Rosso's co-owner Gerhard Berger were also supportive.
"As an independent team, I'm very happy to see things moving. I think everybody is starting to realise that we are in a very difficult situation... it's very important to move quickly," Berger said.
"Obviously the FIA have put down some proposals with the tender but hopefully FOTA can put forward some reasonable and good possibilities.
"I'm sure in the end they're going to be the best, the cheapest and most reasonable conclusion to fulfil the needs of the manufacturers and the situation."
The last independent engine manufacturer in the sport was Cosworth, who powered former champions Williams in 2006.
Others who might be interested in the tender include France-based Mecachrome, who powered Williams a decade ago, and the Ilmor Engineering operation that was once part of McLaren-Mercedes.
Crash.Net / Eurosport

welcome to A1 GP part II

It will be a tragedy if this actually happens and if it does then they might as well change the name from F1 to something else because F1 has always stood for the pinnachle of motoring technology.

The future of F1:

The future of F1: Sorry, but no future in my books...

F1 is dead for me now. I can't find any interest in it anymore...

A plan to make dramatic cost-cuts was agreed between the FIA and the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) in a landmark meeting in Geneva, it was announced in a joint statement on Tuesday.

It is believed that a broad agreement was reached between FIA president Max Mosley and FOTA chiefs Luca di Montezemolo and John Howett to introduce drastic cost reductions from next year.
The joint statement read: "Today's meeting in Geneva has produced significant cost savings for 2009 and 2010.
"FOTA are working urgently on further proposals for 2010 and thereafter."
But while the statement did not detail any specific measures, autosport.com understands that four key points were agreed:

- Engine life will be increased from two to three races from 2009

- Manufacturers must be prepared to make 25 engine units available, at a cost of 10 million Euros, to customer teams

- There will be a further meeting between FOTA members in Brazil to determine testing kilometre limits for 2009, and an agreement in principal on the introduction of a standard Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) unit for 2010 or 2011. KERS is believed to remain open for teams to use next season.

- The sport's governing body and FOTA will meet again after the Brazilian Grand Prix to discuss measures to reduce costs related to chassis development and the continuation of the use of customer chassis in the future.

When asked to comment on the agreements, an FIA spokesman said it was "inappropriate to comment at this time", but described the meeting as "very positive and constructive."

One source added that the meeting had "historical" significance because it "was the first time the teams had enjoyed such unanimity" in their discussions over the sport's future direction.

autosport

Cosworth Wins FIA Standard Engine Tender in 2010
Un-badged Cosworth engine option will be 2m euros
December 5, 2008 10:50 AM

Cosworth has won the tender to supply a low-cost engine and transmission package in 2010 and beyond, formula one's governing body announced on Friday.

In the wake of Honda's shock departure from the sport, the FIA said in a statement that the news confirmed its fears about the current financial format, and sent a letter to team bosses.

It is revealed that the cost to teams wanting to use the un-badged Cosworth engine option will be 2m euros, plus 5.5 million euros each season.

"The annual cost will reduce if more (than four) teams take up the option," FIA president Max Mosley wrote.

Teams not wanting to use the standard engine have "the right to build an engine themselves", or a de-tuned version of their current 2.4 litre V8s, but must use a standard transmission supplied by Ricardo Transmissions, a British company.

Mosley said the measures will help small teams survive, and also pave the way for the replacement of more outgoing manufacturers, "as seems likely" to be necessary.

He wants four teams to sign up the scheme by next Thursday, or the price may go up.

Source: GMM, via WorldCarFans.com -- Cosworth wins FIA standard engine tender in 2010