F1: Ecclestone Worried About 2013 Engine Sound, McLaren May Drop Silver Livery

Bernie Ecclestone has admitted that he too is worried about the sound of F1's new engine formula for 2013.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said recently that for "the top class of racing", 1.6 litre four-cylinder power plants "sounds a bit pathetic".

Triple world champion Niki Lauda agreed: "I am worried about the sound, which in Formula One has been so unique.

"Hopefully there will be more than a faint hum," he added.

F1 chief executive Ecclestone has admitted that he too is worried about the new exhaust note.

"I don't care whether it's 1.6 or 1.8 litre engines -- I'm worried about the sound," he is quoted by motorline.cc.

"If we lose the sound of Formula One, we will be losing a great deal," added Ecclestone.

FIA president Jean Todt, however, insists no-one should be worried about 2013.

"I can guarantee that the Formula One cars for the 2013 season will be very exciting and produce a great sound.

"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," Todt said.

(GMM)

McLaren May Drop Silver Livery

 According to speculation in F1 circles, McLaren could be set to drop most of the silver from its car livery for the 2011 season.

Last year, after the shareholding split with Mercedes was announced, it was rumoured then that Woking based McLaren might adopt a substantially new livery -- given Mercedes GP's plans for a similarly silver car.

Team boss Martin Whitmarsh said then: "It (the silver) is a McLaren brand colour; it works for our partners and us."

Mercedes, however, ramped up its 'Silver Arrows' rhetoric throughout 2010 and now remains only an engine supplier to McLaren, with the shareholding ever diluted.

Indeed, this year, Daimler's stake is scheduled to have been entirely bought back by McLaren.

A hint about McLaren's branding and livery plans for 2011 is in the new official merchandising range for the forthcoming season.

For example, gone are the silver team caps of 2010, replaced by mainly black ones for 2011. The team crew and management-style shirts and jackets are also black.

(GMM)