Ecclestone rules out electric motors

Bernie Ecclestone says the FIA will change the regulation and that "there's no way it will be electric in the pit lane" © Sutton Images

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Bernie Ecclestone has said Formula One's 2014 engine regulations will be tweaked because a rule that says cars must run on electric engines only in the pit lane would mean "people could be killed".

With the engines being downsized from the current 2.4-litre V8's to a 1.6-litre V6 turbo, there are also a number of other new regulations that have been agreed such as a more powerful KERS unit. As a result, article 5.19 in the preliminary technical regulations states 'The car must be run in electric mode (no ignition and no fuel supply to the engine) at all times when being driven in the pit lane.'

Ecclestone, however, said that the danger posed to those working in the pit lane by a lack of engine noise means that article will be removed.

"Formula One is absolutely not the right place to have electric engines," Ecclestone told the Daily Express. "It's like having ballet dancers with sneakers. More comfortable, but it doesn't work... There's no way that it will be electric in the pit lane. People could be killed because they won't hear the cars coming."

Following criticism of the new rules, Ecclestone defended current FIA president Jean Todt, saying it was actually a result of his predecessor Max Mosley's recommendations.

"We can't blame Jean Todt because this was started by Max [Mosley]. It was Max's original idea. His idea is what is being promoted now."

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