Todt values current, not prospective engine suppliers

FIA president Jean Todt has insisted that any new rules formulated by Formula One should not be made to cater to the needs of any new engine suppliers, as it is his wish to value the needs of current teams who are already pumping money into the sport.

Regulations are going to be implemented from 2020 onwards which will see engines standardised throughout Formula One, and this has attracted a raft of prospective new engine suppliers who believe they could have success under the new framework.

Ilmor, Aston Martin, and Cosworth have all registered an interested in joining F1 after 2020, but current suppliers Ferrari, Mercedes, and Renault have all had dignitaries criticise the new plans.

Todt, who was recently re-elected for an unopposed third term as FIA president, believes that current suppliers come first.

"What I feel would be unfair would be to undervalue the existing engine suppliers involved, and listen to those who may think they will come," Todt told Motorsport.com.

"For me, it is important in light of the existing situation to see what will be the best evolution of the engine for the future, but by respecting the investments of those who have made the investments so far."

Todt went on to discuss the turbo hybrid engines being used but although he is not totally convinced by the current format, he believes the blueprint is there for better engines in the future.

"Clearly if you ask me what I feel about the engine – it has been one interesting exercise," he added. "I think it is too complicated.

"I think it is too expensive. But it is probably a very good first step to go to a next generation of engine, which will be one evolution from what we have now.

"I am against starting on a completely new development of engine but I think we should take what we have understood with this engine and allow the actual manufacturers who have been investing heavily to be able to enjoy what they have been investing for the next generation of engine, and also encourage newcomers to come."