SHANGHAI - Formula One's governing body said on Friday it intended to change the rules to force teams to use a standard engine from 2010 as part of a cost-cutting drive.
The International Automobile Federation (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 (FOTA) in Geneva after this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.
The FIA has argued that the costs of Formula One 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 (the teams) 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."
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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 ($6.74 million) per team per season.
Formula One 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 told reporters.
"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 told a news conference.
"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 Formula One 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.
