JULY 27, 2012

Pure suspends engine development

Craig Pollock's PURE engine concern, developing an F1 customer unti to the new 2014 F1 1.6-litre V6 engine regulations at the former Toyota F1 HQ in Cologne, has been forced to suspend activity.

The news, reported by Britain's Autosport, has heightened speculation that Bernie Ecclestone may still get his wish of continuing with the current 2.4-litre V8 engines beyond the end of the 2013 season. The PURE project has always had the support of FIA president Jean Tody, who is adamant that the 'green' turbo engines will go ahead.

Officially, PURE's programme has been suspend due to lack of backing, with investment said to have to come from the EU to meet tax strictures, as against the USA, from where the project is said to have investment.

Technical director Gilles Simon, ex of Ferrari and the FIA, has told suppliers that he is not sure when the programme will be re-initiated.