Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says the decision to go to turbocharged V6 engines for Formula 1's next generation regulations package rather than the previously proposed four-cylinder units has firmed up the company's commitment to the sport.
The famous Italian squad had been one of the leading critics of the original plan for 'greener' engines, but di Montezemolo told reporters in Japan that the V6 choice ensured that F1 stayed relevant for Ferrari.
"I [will] do Formula 1 as long as Formula 1 represents for us the most important research center," he was quoted as saying by Reuters. "The decision [to go for the] V6 is important because turbo-six is good for the future, not only for Ferrari but also for Mercedes and others."
F1's commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone is now a lone voice of opposition to the new engine rules, which were agreed last month in a compromise deal by the teams and FIA. Ecclestone has argued that the noise from the turbocharged engines will not be adequate for the F1 spectacle, and will cause disappointment among fans and promoters. The new rules will come into effect in 2014.
Di Montezemolo added that the next regulation change he would like to see would be a limit on aerodynamics.
"Today, aerodynamics means 90 percent of the performance," he said. "But I think this is not good because we are not building satellites or airplanes; we're building cars. Aerodynamics have to be less relevant in the performance of the car."