The European Parliament has asked formula one to "change their rules" in favour of more environmentally friendly technology. While the FIA has already paved the way for things like electronic energy recovery systems, smaller engines and bio-fuels, a statement on behalf of EU politicians said motor sport can play a bigger role in "changing attitudes and customer behaviour towards environmentally friendly technology".

The statement was part of a European Parliament report (CARS 21) that was adopted with 607 votes in favour, 76 against and 14 abstentions.

"The House therefore asks the FIA and others involved in formula one to change their rules accordingly, so that environmentally friendly technologies like bio-fuels, four-cylinder engines or hybrid can be more easily applied," it read.

Update: It looks like the FIA is happy with the EU's proposal.

FIA happy with EU call for greener F1

F1's governing body has welcomed the findings of a European Parliament report, despite the interpretation that 'CARS 21' is in fact critical of the sport's environmentally-unfriendly policies.

A statement issued by the European Parliament called on F1 to "change their rules" in favour of greener technology, because motor sport can play a bigger role in "changing attitudes and customer behaviour towards environmentally friendly technology".

The Parliament asked the FIA and teams to contemplate things such as bio-fuels, four-cylinder engines and hybrid technology.

A statement issued by the FIA on Wednesday, however, said the report "recognises the leading role played by the" Paris body "in encouraging the development and use of new environmental technologies".

FIA president Max Mosley said: "It is immensely satisfying that the European Parliament recognises motor sport's role in developing environmentally-friendly technologies and supports the work undertaken by the FIA in its campaign to make motoring more sustainable in the future.

"With the support of the motor manufacturers competing in formula one and with the engineering expertise unique to the sport, the new technical regulations will accelerate the introduction of energy-efficient technologies into the domestic car market," he added. (GMM)