F1 decides to scrap engine 'token' system

  • Published on 04 Feb 2016 11:09
  • 4
  • By: Rob Veenstra

F1's complex and controversial engine development 'token' system will be scrapped for 2017. That was the claim on Wednesday of Cyril Abiteboul, the Renault managing director. He was speaking at the Renault launch in Paris, taking place hot on the heels of a spate of high-level recent meetings about the future shape of the sport's rules.

The Spanish sports daily Marca quotes Abiteboul as suggesting that the 'token' system, derided by F1 stakeholders and fans alike for being too complex and restrictive, will be scrapped. "We all agree that an F1 engine governed this way is not good for Mercedes, for Ferrari, for Honda ... (not good) for anyone. So we have decided to stop the confusion," said the Frenchman. Currently, the system means engine manufacturers can only add performance gains to their engines by exchanging a limited number of development 'tokens' with the FIA. (GMM)

Replies (4)

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  • I think this is a good idea. Its not like this was the best way to cut costs anyway.

    • + 0
    • Feb 4 2016 - 12:03
  • Pompey

    Posts: 84

    Do I detect common sense making a comeback?

    • + 0
    • Feb 4 2016 - 15:24
  • khasmir

    Posts: 893

    Ok but what would this mean? The engine development is frozen like before the token system, or they can update as much as they want?

    • + 1
    • Feb 4 2016 - 17:48
    • A fair point, but I think this implies that full development will return. I cant imagine Renault camp would celebrate otherwise. :)

      • + 0
      • Feb 4 2016 - 19:13

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