Bahar: Renault F1 deal cost one third of what Tony asked

From Paultan

When news broke that Group Lotus was buying into the Renault F1 Team, one of the more popular questions was why couldn’t they just invest in Tony Fernandes’ Team Lotus. Wouldn’t that have solved the issue of a Lotus vs Lotus battle on next year’s Formula 1 grid and in the courts? Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar shed some light on the matter at a media lunch in London.

Apparently, there were such moves, but the other side made it too difficult, and too costly for Group Lotus. “A question that has come up many times was why did you not find an amicable solution with Tony Fernandes? Well we tried,” he said. Continue reading...

Formula 1 to use 1.6L four-cylinder engines from 2013

Formula 1 to use 1.6L four-cylinder engines from 2013, ban on team orders lifted for 2011

From Paultan

Yes, that’s right. The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) has approved new regulations which will see 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines replace the current 2.4L V8s from 2013. The goal is to be more eco friendly, as the smaller powerplants are expected to be 35% more frugal, whilst providing the same level of performance. Energy recovery systems and additional energy management will be utilised to ensure this is possible. Continue reading...