Two major developments have occurred as it relates to changing engine regulations within the IZOD IndyCar Series.
The series ruled earlier Thursday that Honda was permitted to upgrade its single BorgWarner turbocharger units for its 2.2L V6 engines for Brazil, in a story first reported by SPEED's Marshall Pruett. The change was initially going to be in place for Long Beach, but was not enacted after Chevrolet teams realized there was not an official rule stating a turbo change could be made.
The controversy stems from a verbal promise by the series made early in the DW12 design process that there would be parity between the single-turbo layout (adopted by Honda) and the twin-turbo layout (used by Chevrolet and Lotus). This promise was never formally enshrined in the regulations, however.
SPEED's Robin Miller reported Chevrolet is protesting Honda's change, and may pursue further legal action against the series.
“This is all about integrity and I'm very disappointed in the process,” Roger Penske told Miller. “All we want is a level playing field and that turbo was not approved. This is ridiculous.”
Tony Cotman, who oversaw part of the new car development process, countered to Miller that the turbos be matched "as equally as possible" and that this was a BorgWarner issue, not a series one.
Calls placed by RACER.com to IndyCar vp of technology Will Phillips, who is in the middle of sorting out the situation, were not returned as of press time.