Audi issue fresh FIA plea over alleged engine trick

Audi has issued a renewed call to the FIA to take action over the alleged power unit compression ratio trick ahead of the new season.

This year sees the introduction of brand new power units as part of a major regulation overhaul, which include a boost in electrical output and the removal of the MGU-H component.

However, the build-up to the new season has already sparked controversy as it has emerged that Mercedes and Red Bull have managed to operate their power unit at a higher figure than the 16:1 compression ratio mandated.

It is a significant part of the combustion process of the engine, and could offer a strong lap time boost.

A meeting between the manufacturers and the FIA was held last week, however the matter was not resolved.

Audi technical director James Key has stated the German manufacturer holds trust that the governing body will reach the right conclusion.

“We have to, as we do, trust the FIA with making the right decisions here,” Key told media including RacingNews365.

“It's new regs, you’ve got to have a level playing field.

“If someone came up with a clever diffuser and you said it's not the right thing to do, no one else can have it, but you can have it for the rest of the year. It doesn't make sense. We'd never accept that.

“If it's sort of bypassing the intent of the regulations, then it has to be in some way controlled.”

Key suggested the season would be a write-off for some teams if the FIA allows the increased compression ratio to be used throughout the year.

“We trust the FIA to do that, because no one wants to sit a season out if you've got a blatant advantage that you can do nothing with in a homologated power unit,” he said.

“For us, hopefully, the FIA will make the right decisions.”