Battle lines drawn over eco-friendly engines

It has been proposed that Formula One teams adopt smaller more environmentally-friendly engines from the 2013 season.

While the proposals have yet to be agreed, the battle lines are already being drawn between Formula One Management and the FIA.

The FIA are backing the proposals to introduce 1.6 litre four cylinder turbocharged engines to the sport, while FOM are against the plans.

'I'm anti, anti, anti, anti moving into this small turbo four formula,' Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone told Autosport Magazine.

Ecclestone believes the move will lose the sport TV ratings, with worldwide television networks walking away from F1.

Bernie revealed that he is currently in a battle with FIA president Jean Todt over the proposal: 'He's not a promoter and he's not selling Formula 1. to be honest. Jean and I are a little bit at loggerheads over this engine. I don't see the reason for it.'

He added: 'I meet people worldwide in all different walks of life - sponsors, promoters and journalists and I think there are two things that are really important for Formula 1,'

'One is Ferrari and second is the noise. People love and get excited about the noise. People who have never been to a Formula 1 race, when they leave you ask them what (they liked) and they say 'the noise'.

While Bernie Ecclestone can often be accused of losing the plot when it comes to some suggestions, on this occasion he is spot on.

1.6 litre four cylinder turbocharged engines are probably more suited to Touring Car racing, not single seater racing and certainly not Formula One, which is suppose to be the pinnacle of Motor Sport in both ability and technology.

While F1 needs to adapt and embrace environmentally-friendly technology, such as fuel and the move into Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems, this proposal doesn't excite people and F1 has to remain exciting.