Although all F1 manufacturers are currently developing their F1 operations under an engine freeze policy imposed by the FIA, the ruling body does in fact permit the teams to work on certain areas of their power plants. Apparently, the Brixworth employees – home of the Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines plant – have out-bettered their rivals in the series at the work.
Mercedes is clearly the most important player on the engine market in Formula One, although it was another manufacturer who was permitted to update its units before the start of the 2009 season. Renault have been granted with the permission to further develop their poor engines during last winter, as they lacked some 30-40 horsepower as compared to the other units.
From all engine manufacturers currently involved in F1 racing, Toyota is the only one who hasn't scored a single win. The Japanese manufacturer's highlight this year was the front row in Bahrain, but that was mostly the result of a low-fuel strategy during the qualifying session.
Talking to the Italian media after the Monza race last weekend, Ferrari's Stefano Domenicali admitted the Formula One Teams Association will look into the matter and will likely ask for a de-freeze period from the FIA in order for all teams to update their F1 power plants.
“This is for sure something that we will be discussing in the engine working group because today we have seen a really great performance from the Mercedes engine and before we make a final decision we have to see the numbers connected to that. It is a point that is on the table to discuss among the teams, as it is something that we need to understand,” said Domenicali.
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