FIA rubberstamps 15,000rpm rev limit

Formula 1 governing body the FIA has agreed to limit engines to 15,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) for when the new format is introduced in 2014. The confirmation came on Wednesday, when the latest set of Technical Regulations was released.

In a shift from the current 2.4-litre V8 engines, in 2014 F1 will be making use of 1.6-litre V6 turbo units. Initially, talk had revolved around limiting the powerplants to 12,000rpm, although this was met by opposition from engine makers and fans.

In article 5.1.3 of the regulations, the FIA states: ‘Crankshaft rotational speed must not exceed 15000rpm’ – a bid to help retain the sport’s spectacle, in terms of noise.