Cleaner V8 Engines by 2029 Possible

F1 boss says noisier but lighter power trains running on sustainable fuel will slash costs

- 

LONDON - Formula One could go back to using noisy V8 engines with fully sustainable fuel by 2029 at the earliest, according to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The sport is entering a new engine era next season, but the head of the governing body suggested in February that a return to the naturally aspirated V8s or V10s was being considered after that.

The V8 engines were last used in 2013, before the current 1.6-litre V6 units.

"The current engine is so complicated, you have no idea, and it is costly," Ben Sulayem told reporters at the weekend's British Grand Prix. "R&D is reaching US$200 million (S$255.7 million), and the engine is costing approximately 1.8 to 2.1, so if we go with a straight V8, let's see.

"Many of the manufacturers produce V8s in their cars, so commercially it's correct. How much is it? You drop it. The target is more than 50 per cent in everything."

Ben Sulayem said the V8 engine would also have significant weight advantages and the sound would be welcomed by both nostalgic fans and the new generation.