The teams of manufacturers that currently populate the series are strongly opposed to a standard, one-maker drivetrain, since it eliminates a huge part of the branding and engineering side of the sport, not to mention that it undercuts, collectively, billions of dollars of investment and thousands of hours spent designing and manufacturing the engines for the past season.
However, teams not wanting to use the standard engine have "the right to build an engine themselves", or a detuned version of their current 2.4L V8s, but must use a standard transmission supplied by Ricardo Transmissions.
Max Mosley defended the action, saying it's in the best interest of the teams and the sport, reports Bloomberg. "Even before current global financial problems, teams were spending far more than their incomes," wrote Mosley in a letter to the heads of the individual teams. "As a result, the independent teams are now dependent on the goodwill of rich individuals, while the manufacturers' teams depend on massive handouts from their parent companies. There is now a real danger that in some cases these subsidies will cease."
It is revealed that the cost to teams wanting to use the un-badged Cosworth engine option will be €2 million, plus €5.5 million each season.
"The annual cost will reduce if more (than four) teams take up the option," FIA president Max Mosley wrote.
Mosley said the measures will help small teams survive, and also pave the way for the replacement of more outgoing manufacturers, "as seems likely" to be necessary.
He wants four teams to sign up for the scheme by next Thursday, or the price may go up.