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Some Formula 1 team look to take advantage of a loophole in the engine freeze regulations for 2015.
Autosport magazine revealed Tuesday that these teams argue that there is no date specified in the current regulations for when 2015 updated engines must be homologated by the FIA.
Although it is widely assumed that the upgraded V6 turbo hybrid powerplants have to be lodged with the FIA for the first race of the season in Australia, these engine manufacturers believe that the way is open for them to not homologate their engine until later in the year.
These teams claim that an engine supplier would still only be homologating a 2015 engine, as any running earlier in the season would be done with its 2014 unit that's already homologated.
Using this loophole would give them extra time to work and fine-tune their V6 Power Units until they are well proven.
The matter was discussed at the recent technical meeting teams had with the FIA officials in Abu Dhabi.
However, the Paris-based FIA argued that although no date for homologation is set, other clauses in the engine regulations make it clear what can be done.
The governing body maintains that a specific clause prevents manufacturers from running two types of engine in a single season, making a late homologation impossible.
An FIA spokesman made it clear to Autosport, however, that the governing body hopes to have the issue resolved well before the inaugural race of 2015.
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Autosport magazine revealed Tuesday that these teams argue that there is no date specified in the current regulations for when 2015 updated engines must be homologated by the FIA.
Although it is widely assumed that the upgraded V6 turbo hybrid powerplants have to be lodged with the FIA for the first race of the season in Australia, these engine manufacturers believe that the way is open for them to not homologate their engine until later in the year.
These teams claim that an engine supplier would still only be homologating a 2015 engine, as any running earlier in the season would be done with its 2014 unit that's already homologated.
Using this loophole would give them extra time to work and fine-tune their V6 Power Units until they are well proven.
The matter was discussed at the recent technical meeting teams had with the FIA officials in Abu Dhabi.
However, the Paris-based FIA argued that although no date for homologation is set, other clauses in the engine regulations make it clear what can be done.
The governing body maintains that a specific clause prevents manufacturers from running two types of engine in a single season, making a late homologation impossible.
An FIA spokesman made it clear to Autosport, however, that the governing body hopes to have the issue resolved well before the inaugural race of 2015.
More...