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Formula One speeds towards radical thousand-horsepower shakeup

The teams, the drivers, the fans, the circuits... few, if any, were satisfied with how Formula One has shaped up since the current regulations took hold last year. But that doesn't mean they aren't working on it. At a recent meeting of the F1 Strategy Group, the leading parties in the sport outlined a new framework that would radically shake up the cars themselves while keeping costs in check. And the biggest change could see the engines producing around 1,000 horsepower. Although a proposal put forth by Ferrari to ditch the current V6 hybrid engines in favor of new twin-turbocharged units was rejected by Honda and Mercedes, the members of the group approved in principal to increase the fuel flow in the existing engines to dramatically boost output. As it stands, the current 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engines develop around 600 horsepower, with an additional 160 or so kicked in by the electric Energy Recovery System, for a combined output of about 760 hp. What's not clear at the moment is whether the increased fuel flow would necessitate either the return of mid-race refueling (currently banned) or the installation of larger fuel tanks. Red Bull and McLaren also submitted proposals to radically redesign the shape of the cars as well, however a more evolutionary approach was adopted instead. Though far from finalized, the new design would keep the same basic form of the current chassis, but with adjustments to make them more aesthetically pleasing while producing more downforce. Wider tires are also said to be part of the mix. With more power and more grip from the tires and aero, the resulting cars would most certainly end up going much faster than the current ones, which are already starting to nudge the lap records at some of the circuits, many of which were set during the V10 era. The F1 Strategy Group is made up of representatives of the FIA, Formula One Management and six leading teams. The next step will be for the teams' technical directors to iron out how to implement what their bosses have agreed to. If they settle the details fast enough, the revised regulations could be pushed through in time for next season. News Source: AutosportImage Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty Motorsports Ferrari Honda Infiniti McLaren Mercedes-Benz F1

Drunk driver launches $385,000 Ferrari off of cliff

A young man made the bad decision to get behind the wheel of his supercar after having too much to drink in Austin, TX. According to KTBC, the Austin Police and Fire Departments responded to a single vehicle crash just after 2 am on January 13. When first responders arrived on the scene, they discovered a mangled Ferrari 458 Italia at the bottom of a 50 foot ravine. Also in the ravine were three bruised, sheepish-looking drunks. Detective Mike Jennings of the Austin Police Department's DWI unit told KTBC that the trio was lucky to be alive. "They are lucky that we didn't have three people that were killed or injured more seriously than they were," Jennings told KTBC. Witnesses reported they spotted the Ferrari flying along the dark, windy road at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour before the driver lost control and balled the Ferarri up at the bottom of the ravine. The driver, James Allen of nearby Georgetown, TX, told APD officers that he'd only had two beers that night. Clearly not buying his explanation, APD arrested Allen for driving while intoxicated. "Anybody that has ever talked to intoxicated people, they always remember two beers, it's always the first one they had and the last one they had, it's everything in between, a lot of times they often forget," said Detective Jennings. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: KTBC Auto News Ferrari Driving Safety Performance austin austin texas

Lionel Messi jokes about rumors he bought 1957 Ferrari 335S

Rumors hint that star soccer player Lionel Messi was the highest bidder for the 1957 Ferrari 335S that sold for $34.9 million in Paris last week. He may have even outbid rival Cristiano Ronaldo to win the expensive Prancing Horse. Messi clearly heard about the speculation around his purchase and posted a photo of himself on Instagram holding Lightning McQueen from the Cars series. His jovial message read "My new car" and ended with several laughing emojis. According to Sport, the Ferrari's seller claimed Messi was the car's buyer in a press release about the auction, but the soccer star has decided to remain quiet. Sport further muddies the waters by citing anonymous sources close to Messi who deny he's the winning bidder. Whoever won the auction, we hope they let the public see this incredibly valuable, race-winning Ferrari sometime soon. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.