Autoblog

Ecclestone pushing to dump Formula 1 turbo V6 plans

George Kennedy — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 10:59:00 EST

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone is unhappy with his series' proposed engine change. SPEED is reporting that Ecclestone believes the introduction of the turbocharged V6 mill should be postponed or even dropped altogether.

While one may think the leading concern for the Ecclestone are the budgets tied to developing the new engines, his issue with the V6 is reportedly far more simple than that. No, Ecclestone has a problem with the way the turbocharged V6 powerplants sound.

The SPEED report notes Ecclestone's reaction: "I listened to the noise of the engines in Maranello the other day, the new engine and the old engine, and even (Ferrari President) Luca di Montezemolo said it sounded terrible."

As superficial of a qualm Ecclestone might have with the engine note, that whine of a high-revving V8 has become an integral part of the identify of F1 - it may be imprudent to meddle with with such an important part of the brand.

FIA president Jean Todt had previously stated that there will not be another delay in the rollout of the new powerplant, but Australian Grand Prix president and Ecclestone-ally Ron Walker says "The circuits will all support Bernie in his quest to keep the same engine, because it will mean great savings in the cost burden of running the sport."

Given that we are just 18 months from the start of the 2014 season, we will be anxious to see what the final decision is on engine formula - and how soon it is made. Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Renault are not waiting around to find out what Bernie's decision is, as they are gradually converting their dynos over to V6 use and will continue to develop the new engine in the meantime.

Ecclestone pushing to dump Formula 1 turbo V6 plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: FIA president Jean Todt interested in new electric F1 series

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Technology, Electric

Are you prepared for Formula One, Electric Boogaloo? Jean Todt, President of the FIA, apparently is, and he hopes to introduce a few new racing series that will provide a platform for an electrified Formula One racing series.

Before we get to see a fully-fledged electric F1 league, The Telegraph reports that Todt plans to roll out electric car, go-kart and single-seat events. The goal is to increase awareness of electric propulsion and drum up support for its use in a variety of motorsports applications.

Jean Todt may have a tough road ahead of him, though, thanks to assumed opposition from F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Todt is looking to bring hybrid powerplants to F1 and Ecclestone has already voiced his opposition to that plan. We're going to guess that Bernie won't take too kindly to all-electric racing either.

[Source: The Telegraph | Image: Roni Rekomaa/AFP/Getty]

Report: FIA president Jean Todt interested in new electric F1 series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIA considers re-instituting 107% qualification threshold to keep out the riffraff

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 May 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

If you've been following this year's Formula One World Championship and wonder how the backmarkers - mostly the new teams that joined the grid for 2010 - have been allowed to compete given their lagging performance, know that the FIA is on top of things.

According to emerging reports from the F1 paddock, FIA president Jean Todt is considering re-instituting a threshold in qualifying for each grand prix. Known colloquially as the 107% Rule, the measure demands that, in order for any driver to qualify for a grand prix, his or her qualification time has to be within 107% of the time set by the polesitter. The rule was last enforced in 2002, after which it was taken off the books. But in Todt's eyes, it's about time to bring it back.

Since implementing the regulation mid-season would require unanimous approval of all the teams - including those newcomers who'd be most effected by it - the FIA president (and former Ferrari chief) is looking towards bringing it back for next season, which would only require ratification by 70% of the teams. The sport's commercial director Bernie Ecclestone reportedly supports the idea, but recommends changing the threshold to 105%. For his part, Todt says the measure is not intended to hurt the new teams, but rather force them to get with the program if they wish to compete and not merely fill the grid.

[Source: ESPN | Image: Fred DuFour/AFP/Getty]

FIA considers re-instituting 107% qualification threshold to keep out the riffraff originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: FIA President Jean Todt to push forward with green F1 technology

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, BMW, Ferrari, Racing

Says Jean Todt, newly-appointed president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), "I am convinced that we absolutely must reflect the environment with new technologies." With that statement, it would appear that at least some of the direction of former FIA president Max Mosley will stay intact.

Mosley had championed a number of green efforts at the top run of the motorsports ladder, not the least of which were hybrid drivetrains in the form of the controversial Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). Though most teams dropped their KERS units in 2009 and none plan to use them in 2010, the technology will likely make the transition to road use within the next few years, probably starting with BMW and Ferrari.

Other changes designed to make F1 racing more accessible to new teams may include spending caps and budget restraints, though it would seem that may clash with the desire to be more environmentally friendly. We'll be watching.

[Source: Inside Line | Photo: Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty]

Report: FIA President Jean Todt to push forward with green F1 technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Todt elected FIA president

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Jean Todt, the Frenchman who has led championship-winning teams in WRC, Paris-Dakar, Le Mans, and Formula 1, has been elected to head the FIA. He succeeds the long-serving and highly controversial Max Mosley, who agreed to step down earlier this year as part of the agreement to prevent a rival manufacturer-led championship series. Todt won the vote by 149-35, defeating Ari Vatanen -- the same Vatanen who won those four consecutive Paris-Dakar races for Todt's Peugeot team.

Todt assumes his position with the platform of "constructive change," at the same time as he praised "the extraordinary achievements of Max Mosley's 16 years as President of the FIA in both sport and mobility." He will not only have the backing of the FIA representatives, but the list of candidates that he put forth and that were all, to a man, elected as well.

The question is whether Vatanen's defeat is also a blow to a higher grade of motorsports management. Vatanen felt the FIA needed a thorough overhaul -- perhaps one of the reasons he didn't muster many votes, since many of the people he needed to win were the same ones who might be purged if he did. Mosley's reign could be considered highly successful overall; we will find out if Todt can continue the growth without the gaffes, clashes, and egoistic explosions.

[Source: The Associated Press]

Todt elected FIA president originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Blood: Controversy heats up in FIA presidential campaign

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

You didn't seriously think that the race to succeed Max Mosley as FIA president would be entirely clean, did you? The head office of the international automobile federation has been the subject of more controversy than a G8 meeting, so it only stands to reason that the campaign to fill its vacancy would follow suit. And here's the first blood.

Ari Vatanen, the former rally champion and European parliamentarian running for the position, has accused the FIA of financially supporting the campaign of his rival Jean Todt. The former Ferrari chief has already received the support of outgoing president Max Mosley, but Vatanen pointed towards flights paid for by the federation's non-profit wing, the FIA Foundation, as evidence of favoritism. The FIA Foundation in turn says that Todt was merely accompanying his partner, actress Michelle Yoeh, in her work as a goodwill ambassador for the foundation's road safety campaign, and rebuked Vatanen for politicizing the project and tarnishing the NGO's reputation.

One way or another, it's clear that the campaign will be a heated one, and if Vatanen wins, he'll have some diplomacy work on his hands to patch things up with the non-profit branch of the organization over which he'll be presiding. Follow the jump to read the full letter from the chairman of the FIA Foundation.

[Source: FIA Foundation via Autosport | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]

Continue reading First Blood: Controversy heats up in FIA presidential campaign

First Blood: Controversy heats up in FIA presidential campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Former Ferrari chief Jean Todt confirms candidacy for FIA president

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

The heat is on as former Ferrari chief executive Jean Todt has reportedly confirmed his candidacy for FIA president. The Frenchman has been touted as a potential head of the international motorsport governing body and automobile federation for years, with rumors intensifying following his resignation from the top spot at Ferrari over a year ago. However, reports now indicate that the renowned racing strategist will stand for the office to replace the departing Max Mosley.

Todt has a wealth of experience in a variety of motorsport disciplines. After a brief career as a rally co-pilot, Todt went on to head up Peugeot's racing program, bringing the French automaker titles at Le Mans, Dakar and the World Rally Championship. He then went on to head the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team, orchestrating an unprecedented winning streak together with Michael Schumacher and Ross Brawn. Todt was eventually named chief executive of the entire Ferrari operation, a post from which he stepped down last year, while retaining certain influential positions for Ferrari including his seat on the FIA World Motorsport Council.

The son of a Holocaust survivor, Todt's family history appears at odds with Mosley's, to say nothing of Bernie Ecclestone's recent comments. But that didn't stop Mosley from endorsing Todt (or Todt from accepting Mosley's endorsement) as his successor when he finally announcing his intention yesterday not to seek re-election this coming October.

Todt has already assembled part of his 22-member slate, including New Zealand's Brian Gibbons and Britain's Graham Stoker as vice-presidents and American Nick Shaw, current FIA deputy president, to preside over the FIA Senate. He'll be running against Ari Vatanen, a former Dakar and World Rally Champion and current member of the European Parliament.

[Source: BBC | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

REPORT: Former Ferrari chief Jean Todt confirms candidacy for FIA president originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mosley reportedly says he won't seek sixth term as FIA President. Again. Finally.

Chris Paukert — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Could the end finally be at hand for the Max Mosley/Formula One soap opera? The embattled FIA president has apparently backed away from potential threats to seek a sixth term in office after all, instead deciding to endorse Jean Todt, team principal for Ferrari's F1 team. The announcement came as part of a letter sent Wednesday to all FIA member clubs.

The missive quotes Mosley as saying:

"Extremely grateful though I am for all the letters, e-mails and messages I have received, I have decided to reconfirm my decision. I will not be a candidate in October... To continue now would greatly complicate my domestic arrangement and be inconsistent with my obligations to my family, particularly after our recent loss. Also, I have felt for some time that I would like to work less. After all, I will be 70 next year."

Despite not seeking re-election after 16 years, Mosley will apparently still maintain a seat on the FIA Senate.

For his part, Todt, 63, has not yet indicated that he is interested in running for the position, but if he decides to do so, he will be campaigning against ex World Rally champion Ari Vatanen, 57, who reportedly announced his candidacy last week. Check out a copy of Mosely's letter to FIA members after the jump.

[Source: Telegraph UK | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

Continue reading Mosley reportedly says he won't seek sixth term as FIA President. Again. Finally.

Mosley reportedly says he won't seek sixth term as FIA President. Again. Finally. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Who'll replace Mosley as FIA President? Could be...Mosley

Noah Joseph — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

With Max Mosley due to end his tenure as president of the FIA in October, the recent rift between the current Formula One championship and the Formula One Teams Association has apparently been healed. Now the big question on everyone's minds in the motorsport world is: Who will replace Mosley?

Speculation has already grown its legs, with several rumored candidates already being vetted in the motorsport press. The most obvious candidate is Michel Boeri, who currently presides over both the Monaco automobile club as well as the FIA senate and who, according to some earlier reports, is already stepping in to take over some of Mosley's responsibilities. Mosley, however, refuted such reports, and doesn't think Boeri would be interested in his job. Current FIA Vice-President Hermann Tomczyk, who was touted as a potential Mosley replacement amidst the latter's recent scandal, told members of the German press he's not interested in the job, either.

Meanwhile, many are looking to Jean Todt, the former Ferrari team principal who recently retired (save for his liaison role between the Scuderia and the FIA) and who has long been touted as a potential FIA president. Toyota team principal and FOTA veep John Howett says the association would prefer someone with no ties to any of the teams, but he also noted that it'll be the FIA's own constituents who will have the final say and not the teams association.

For his part, Mosley says he'll endorse a specific candidate if there is more than one in the running. As reported earlier, the always controversial and embattled figure says he's owed an apology from FOTA for what he claims were blatant misrepresentations to the media about the nature of the agreement between the two motorsport groups. If he doesn't get his apology, Mosley says he could call the whole thing off and stand for re-election in October, which would make this whole discussion rather academic, to say nothing of the future of the sport and its regulatory body.

[Sources: Autosport and F1-Live | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

Who'll replace Mosley as FIA President? Could be...Mosley originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jean Todt makes surprise exit from Ferrari

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ferrari

During Ferrari's annual stockholders' meeting, company chairman Luca di Montezemolo announced that Jean Todt has resigned from all of his duties at the automaker. The former CEO and Formula One head has been the face of Ferrari for the last 15 years, joining the automaker in 1993 after a successful stint at Peugeot where he was instrumental in the French company's motorsports successes. In the following years, Todt thoroughly reorganized the Ferrari F1 team, eventually bringing racing legend Michael Schumacher, along with Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne, into the fold, and went on to preside over seven constructors' wins and five drivers' championships. Todt hasn't announced his next step, but we imagine a cocktail on the Riviera is in his future. Ferrari's press release is posted after the jump.

[Image: Fred Dufour/Getty]

Continue reading Jean Todt makes surprise exit from Ferrari

Jean Todt makes surprise exit from Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Ex-Ferrari CEO Jean Todt for FIA President

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ferrari

As we reported yesterday, the Ferrari board agreed to dismiss Jean Todt from his position as CEO. But we wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the Frenchman altogether. Todt has been known as one of the busiest people in the industry, and while everyone deserves a little downtime, at 62 Todt isn't expected to disappear so quickly.

Rumors have been circulating for years that Todt could succeed Max Mosley as president of the FIA, the international motorsport governing body that regulates Formula One, among many other racing series. Those rumors are only intensifying in the wake of Todt's resignation. Todt and Mosley are known to share a close relationship, and the current president is not expected to run for another term when his current one expires next year. The speculation breeds as well on the fact that even after stepping down from the top spot at Ferrari, Todt remains the Scuderia's representative on the FIA council, leaving him with a foothold in the governing body that could come in handy when it heads into elections in October 2009.

[Source: GrandPrix.com, Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty]

Rumormill: Ex-Ferrari CEO Jean Todt for FIA President originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: McLaren facing exclusion from 2007 F1 Championship

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Thursday, September 13th, the World Motor Sport Council will meet to decide on whether McLaren should be punished for industrial espionage in the Stepneygate affair. What had been winding its way to a peaceful conclusion has now been blown back open with the recent revelation that the drivers exchanged information that came from the Ferrari dossier in McLaren's possession.

Some newspapers claim that in the 166 pages of new evidence is enough damaging material that McLaren and its drivers could be excluded from the 2007 F1 World Championship. McLaren boss Ron Dennis has claimed that no one else in the team knew about the dossier -- and this was before it was revealed that the drivers knew. Now it's claimed that not only did the drivers know, but McLaren actually tried some of Ferrari's technical innovations on its car. Ron Dennis is also accused of trying to bring Renault into the affair, but it is unclear how. If things go against McLaren, the Championship-leading team and its drivers could face exclusion from the Championship this year and beyond.

[Source: Daily F1]

Rumormill: McLaren facing exclusion from 2007 F1 Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jean Todt will return for the 2007 F1 season

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, BMW

Scuderia Ferrari's man on top has renewed his contract for the 2007 F1 season. According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, team boss Jean Todt, was given a monetary offer that he couldn't refuse to remain with Ferrari through the end of next year.

The news of Todt's contract extension brings to light more questions about Michael Schumacher's future at the Italian mark, especially considering how instrumental Todt was in the hiring of Schumacher in 1996. Many reports suggested that if the seven-time F1 champion would leave, Jean Todt would follow. With Schumacher considering a possible contract at BMW for $100 million, Deutschland's finest may move onto greener pastures.

[Source: Speed]

Jean Todt will return for the 2007 F1 season originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jul 2006 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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