Would unfreezing the engine development be really that expensive?

[JacobP]

I always keep hearing that the engine homologation rules were meant to put brakes on engine development in order to control the engine R&D costs. However, given that much of the engine architecture is already frozen (e.g. V6 turbos with a certain type of hybrid and energy recovery units), would there really be a whole lot of room to spend too much money if engine development was allowed at all times?

[Pingguest]

One should know that even without regulations outlawing in-season modifications, engine development will effectively limited due to the regulation stating a driver may only use four engines per season. However, I do believe the engine homologation indeed reduce costs. Without it engine manufacturers would have to run at least to separate development programs: one for the current engine and one for next year's engine, one that is more fundamental. Research and development requires a lot of man hours and production for sol purpose of simulation and testing.

[wnut]

Only for Mercedes, everyone else would save a heap of now dead marketing spend by putting a little money into actually getting competitive!

[Casper]

Originally Posted by Pingguest

However, I do believe the engine homologation indeed reduce costs. Without it engine manufacturers would have to run at least to separate development programs: one for the current engine and one for next year's engine, one that is more fundamental. Research and development requires a lot of man hours and production for sol purpose of simulation and testing.

I would find it surprising if they did not do exactly that, next years engines are already dyno testing. Is there anything to prevent it happening?

[Pingguest]

Originally Posted by Casper

I would find it surprising if they did not do exactly that, next years engines are already dyno testing. Is there anything to prevent it happening?

I cannot remember myself denying engine manufacturers to do research and development for next year's engine.

[thetool]

It wouldn't cost anymore. Every team spends every penny of the money they have available to them. The only thing engine freezes, etc, achieve, is a reallocation of what the money is spent on.