Ecclestone Too Worried About New F1 Engine Sound

After the FIA announced the introduction of new, more environmentally-friendly 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engines in Formula One starting the 2013 season, certain fears were raised over the move. And some of them addressed the sound problem, as some highly ranked figures of the sport wondered if the sound of the smaller engines will provide the same thrills as the one resulting from the current 2.4-litre V8s.

Former Ferrari-an and triple world champion Niki Lauda was the first to speak about this issue out loud, and a few days later the very boss of Formula One Bernie Ecclestone felt the need to stress the importance of F1's sound for the future of the series.

“I don't care whether it's 1.6 or 1.8 litre engines – I'm worried about the sound,” said Ecclestone in a recent interview with motorline.cc. “If we lose the sound of formula one, we will be losing a great deal,” he added.

However, FIA president Jean Todt stood by his decision and addressed those fears earlier this week, bringing assurances that the fans will get to enjoy the same roaring sound of the F1 units from 2013 onwards.

“I can guarantee that the formula one cars for the 2013 season will be very exciting and produce a great sound,” said Todt, according to a report from the GMM news agency.

“The development of the industry in the past years has been bringing safety and environmental awareness to the foreground, and the car manufacturers have made great progress in both areas. With the new rules, the FIA wants to send a strong message about formula one. It is the pinnacle of motor sport and the smaller engine is very important for the manufacturers.”