Engine performance no longer the differentiating factor - Theissen

Following a modification of FIA regulations, the continuous development of the engines in Formula One vehicles is permitted only within strict limits. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen speaks about the consequences of the new regulations and regards the field of drivers as far more balanced than in the past.

On March 1st of this year all Formula One teams were required to hand over an engine to the International Automobile Federation FIA for homologation purposes. This engine is considered as the technical platform for the next three years, during which modifications to the aggregate are permitted only within strict limitations.

"We are working on the peripherals, especially the suction and exhaust system," Mario Theissen describes the current work on the BMW P86/7. "It's true: Since the inner life of an engine can't be touched as a consequence of the homologation, the effort and speed put in to the development work have been substantially reduced."

In Theissen's opinion, the engine therefore plays less of an important role in terms of competitiveness compared to a few years ago. For this reason, the engine performance of the individual teams is more similar than in the past. Theissen commented on this topic to German media representatives: "In my opinion, the engine, or rather the engine performance, is no longer the differentiating factor in terms of competitiveness of a Formula One car. I believe the difference between the performances of today's engines is within approximately 30 bhp. Five or six years ago the difference was up to 100 bhp."