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Ferrari return to Le Mans looking more likely?

Statements made by Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo may indicate that the Italian brand could return to a form of racing it's been absent from for 40 years - prototype racing. That's right, LMP1 could see a factory Ferrari team for the first time since 1973, if a report from ESPN F1 is to be believed.
"We have won with the 458 GTE, but I also quite like the idea of racing at Le Mans in the highest category: who knows, maybe one day we can return and win, say thanks and come home," Montezemolo said. "Maybe we should give it some consideration..."
These seemingly idle, off-hand comments might not hold much water, were rumors about Ferrari's return to prototype racing not swirling as recently as August. There's also the fact that the upcoming, 1.6-liter, turbocharged V6 being used for Formula One complies with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest's own LMP1 regulations, according to ESPN. Finally, Ferrari returning to Le Mans might also explain this video of a camouflaged Ferrari LaFerrari testing a new turbocharged engine, which we showed you a few weeks back. There's a fair chance that what we're actually seeing in that video are the early stages of a new Ferrari prototype testing.

Ferrari vetoes F1 engine supply cost cap

The costs associated with competing in Formula One are enormous. In addressing the problem, the FIA has proposed a number of measures aimed at reducing those expenses. But while most of the teams are apparently on board, one key player has exercised its veto to defeat the initiative. The issue came up at a recent meeting of the Formula One Strategy Group, where the participating parties discussed implementing a global cost ceiling, amending the regulations in order to drive down costs, and increasing the standardization of common parts. However one of the most concrete steps would have seen the FIA institute a maximum price which engine suppliers could charge independent teams for their power units. The issue was put to a vote, which the FIA reports passed with a "large majority." But Ferrari vetoed the measure, exercising the right accorded to it under the governing regulations – a step which the FIA will not contest. With its cost-cap measure defeated, the governing body has confirmed its intent to move ahead with proposals to bring in an outside engine supplier that will provide motivation to independent teams at a lower cost. As we recently reported, the price associated with securing power units from suppliers like Mercedes, Renault, and Ferrari, typically costs teams as much as $30 million per season – a solid two or three times what they cost in the previous V8 era. One of the leading contenders at this early stage to supply those low-cost power units is Cosworth. The British firm has long participated in the championship as an engine supplier, stepping back from the sport only recently. However other companies could enter a bid for the contract as well. A French outfit called PURE run by former BAR-Honda team principal Craig Pollock began development of an engine package back in 2011. BMW and Toyota both supplied V8 engines until a few years ago, while independent outfits like Mecachrome, Mugen, and TAG have also prepared F1 power units based on engines developed by major manufacturers. 26.10.15 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - COST REDUCTION The FIA has studied cost reduction measures for teams participating in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship which were not conclusive, including: - a global cost ceiling, - a reduction in costs via technical and sporting regulations, - an increased standardisation for parts.

Ferrari SUV in the works, finally?

There are some things that Ferrari just won't do. Pink cars. Electric vehicles. SUVs. Well, about that last one... There's long been talk about Ferrari taking the leap and producing a utility vehicle to rival the likes of the Porsche Cayenne (but, like, for way more money). Lamborghini has already gotten the hint with the upcoming Urus. Now, Car says that it can confirm that Ferrari is, in fact, working on a crossover, and the project is codenamed F16X. The British magazine even has its own artist rendering of the rumored ute, though if that's what the thing actually ends up looking like, we'll eat our hat. Car's sources in Maranello say that the vehicle will be built alongside the next-gen GTC4 Lusso (current model pictured above) with aluminum architecture, that it'll be a high-riding soft-roader, and will feature rear suicide doors with no B-pillar (picture a big opening to the rear seats). It will have all-wheel drive, building on Ferrari's experience with the FF and GTC4 Lusso. Under the hood will be a gasoline V8, possibly with a hybrid powertrain option. The Ferrari F16X won't be cheap, of course, and is expected to fetch about $342,000 at today's exchange rates. We're assuming that doesn't account for the cost of inflation between now and 2021, when the CUV is expected to launch. And don't be surprised if Ferrari does everything it can to avoid using the words "crossover" or "SUV" in reference to the F16X. Related Video: