Ecclestone: “Electric motors in the pitlane in F1? They could kill someone."

Bernie Ecclestone has said he is against the use of electric motors in F1 pitlanes due to problems related to the safety of workers. In 2014 the premier category will move from the current 8 liter V2.4s to the more environmentally friendly 6 liter turbo V1.6s with hybrid technologies.

The new engine will exploit the energy accumulated during braking to power an electric motor which will be used in the pitlane by the cars, reducing the environmental impact of Formula 1 cars.

“Formula 1 is absolutely not the right place for electric motors,” said Ecclestone. “It's like having ballet dancers in sports shoes. Maybe they are more comfortable, but that's not good."

Although the new rules have already been ratified by the FIA ​​World Motor Sport Council, Ecclestone said he was confident they would be changed. “In no way will electric motors be used in the pitlane. Someone could get hurt or killed because they didn't hear the noise of the oncoming cars."

Ecclestone is also dissatisfied with the new engine which could lose the characteristic sound so dear to spectators. Jean Todt, the president of the FIA, pushed hard for the new rules but according to Ecclestone the real creator is his predecessor Max Mosley.

“We can't accuse Jean Todt because it's something that started with Max. It was originally his idea, which is now being promoted.”