Mercedes looks set to begin the 2015 season with its ‘old’ F1 engine.<\/p>\n
It is the latest development in the so-called ‘engine unfreeze’ saga, after the FIA conceded a loophole in the 2015 regulations can indeed be legitimately exploited by suppliers.<\/p>\n
That Ferrari and Renault can now develop their turbo V6s during the 2015 season was heralded as a political victory for Mercedes’ struggling rivals.<\/p>\n
But Mercedes’ Toto Wolff is quoted by L’Equipe: “It might be said that it favours Renault and Ferrari.\u00a0 Actually, it will be a benefit to us.”<\/p>\n
Undoubtedly, he is referring to the fact that, having begun the new turbo V6 era with a significant advantage, Mercedes is now confident of strongly developing its ‘power unit’ throughout 2015 and maintaining its advantage.<\/p>\n
Rumours even hint that Mercedes is ready to unfurl a further 50 horse power for 2015.<\/p>\n
“If that is true,” concerned Red Bull boss Christian Horner is quoted by Spain’s El Mundo Deportivo, “the difference (between Mercedes and) the other teams may actually increase.”<\/p>\n
L’Equipe said Wolff confirmed that Mercedes’ strategy for the 2015 ‘unfreeze’ will be to take the ‘old’ 2014 engine into the winter period and then gradually begin to add performance.<\/p>\n
Reports suggest the 2014 engine will probably then be used by Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in the first four races of the season in Australia, Malaysia, China and Bahrain.<\/p>\n
“We will follow this strategy,” Wolff said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, as F1 newcomer Honda rails against getting left out of the 2015 ‘unfreeze’, Wolff tipped the story to continue to unfold.<\/p>\n
“As for Honda,” said the Mercedes boss, “it is normal that everyone has an opinion about it.\u00a0 The FIA will make its decision so let’s see what they say.<\/p>\n
“Perhaps the competition will protest if they come to a grand prix with a new engine specification,” Wolff added.<\/p>\n
\u00a9 RIF | GMM<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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