Engines under discussion

FIA seeks view on possible engine use limits.

The possibility that the number of engines available to drivers and teams in the European Rallycross Championship may be restricted is being discussed around the paddock at this weekend’s third round of the 2011 series in Essay.

A relatively high number of engine problems and failures at the start of this season has put the issue in the minds of many, so the suggestion of a restriction appears timely. Following Thursday’s meeting of the FIA Off-Road Commission, reaction and opinion from drivers is being sought.

“I have been thinking about this for two or three years and now it is an open question and a chance for everyone to make their view known. There are absolutely no decisions yet, it’s for discussion only,” said the FIA’s Technical Delegate to the series, Carlos Funes. The scrutineer did, however, go on to add that his personal feeling was that some form of restriction would come, “Personally I feel it’s logical to do this but I completely understand and expect that there will be a group very firmly against the idea and a group very firmly in favour,” he said.

Casting around the paddock, it seems the latter group is currently larger than the former, but there are many ideas about the numbers of engines involved and the details of control and penalties.

“It’s difficult to say without seeing the details, but perhaps that’s what they want; for us to put forward details and ideas,” said KHM Citroën boss Kenneth Hansen, “I’ve seen restrictions work very well in karting and racing so it can be good – perhaps more so for the smaller teams than for someone like me.”

An event winner in recent years, but now among the group who will do as many events as possible on a relatively tight budget, Morten Bermingrud is making his seasonal debut in France and greeted the idea warmly. “For me it would be perfect. I have a lower spec engine than Hansen uses because I cannot take any risks. It has less power but is more reliable, it’s the only way I can be: if it breaks, it’s over!” he said.

While a good number of others were also in favour, there is a notable dissenting voice, champion Sverre Isachsen. “Argh, they are complete idiots!” he said, “The FIA are idiots if they think that’s a good idea. If you take out the best team, you have the weak ones left and when they push, they break. Then what do you have left? Nothing!”

We will run a longer version of this story in Rallycross World magazine next month. Add your comments here and we may include your view!

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