Formula 1 technical chiefs have given their formal backing to plans for 1.6-liter V6 turbo engines to be used starting in 2014, but have requested that the new power units rev higher than originally suggested.
During a get-together of technical figures in the Valencia paddock on Sunday morning, the representatives agreed with the new engine plans that were approved by the Formula 1 Commission last week. Such approval from the teams was necessary as part of the official process required for new regulations to be put in place,with the FIA eager to get the matter sorted by the end of this month.
Although the meeting was not an official gathering of the Technical Working Group, it is understood a letter was sent from the teams to the FIA's Charlie Whiting expressing their support for the V6 plan that was put forward earlier this week, with a few minor tweaks which included lifting performance from a 12,000rpm limit up to 15,000rpm. As well as the engine situation, the teams are understood to have also formally requested that planned chassis regulation changes for 2013 are also delayed for one season, so they coincide with the new engines.
The matter is now likely to be put to an official fax vote of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council, which could mean the regulations being put in place as soon as next week.
Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug said in Valencia that he was happy with the plans for the V6, which came after disputes between carmakers over the original move towards four-cylinder power units.
"It is important that we get even lower costs in the future," explained Haug. "It is a strong signal that all the teams voted the same, and that the manufacturers got together in quite a short period of time. That is a positive development."