Ecclestone, Todt commissioned by WMSC to invoke change in F1 - MotorSportsTalk

FIA president Jean Todt and Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone have claimed a big political victory after the FIA World Motor Sport Council approved a mandate for the duo to make changes in the sport.

Ecclestone and Todt have been battling against the major manufacturers in F1 over the past few months to try and reduce costs and make changes to improve the sport.

A recent move from the governing body and commercial rights holder to introduce an alternative engine solution to the sport – understood to be a 2.2-liter V6 engine to that used in IndyCar – was rejected by the F1 Commission.

However, following the latest WMSC meeting, a statement was issued on Wednesday confirming that Todt and Ecclestone now have a mandate to make changes and calls regarding a number of pressing matters.

“The World Motor Sport Council approved, by a near unanimous number (just one vote against), a mandate for the FIA President, Jean Todt and the Representative of the Commercial Rights Holder, Bernie Ecclestone to make recommendations and decisions regarding a number of pressing issues in Formula One such as governance, Power Units and cost reduction,” the statement reads.

“Mr. Todt and Mr. Ecclestone expressed their intention to establish conclusions on these matters by 31 January, 2016.”

The WMSC also made a number of other announcements regarding the future of F1, including the publication of the final calendar for the 2016 season that now lists the United States Grand Prix as being ‘subject to agreement’.

Other changes included the approval of a third dry tire compound for races in 2016 and the introduction of the Virtual Safety Car to practice sessions, while DRS usage after VSC periods has now become immediate.

Finally, Ferrari has been given permission to supply power units to a fourth team for 2016, all but confirming that it will once again become Toro Rosso’s engine partner for the new season.

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Ryan Hunter-Reay was named to replace Conor Daly in Ed Carpenter Racing’s No. 20 Dallara-Chevrolet, starting in the NTT IndyCar Series event next week at Road America.

Hunter-Reay is the 2012 series champion and 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner. He finished 11th for Dreyer & Reinbold last month in the 107th Indy 500, his first start since the 2021 season finale. He drove full time for Andretti Autosport from 2010-21.

“We need to improve our competitiveness and I wanted to add a fresh perspective from a driver like Ryan who has a massive amount of experience and success as well as a reputation as a team leader. I am excited to welcome Ryan to the team,” team owner Ed Carpenter said in a team release. “We have worked together in the past as teammates and he tested for ECR at Barber Motorsports Park in October 2021, where he made an immediate impact as we were able to qualify one of our cars on the pole following that test. I am confident that his experience and technical abilities will be an asset to ECR as we move forward toward our goals as a team.”

Hunter-Reay has 18 IndyCar victories, most recently in 2018. He also is a winner in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, having been a part of winning entries in the 2020 Twelve Hours of Sebring and 2018 Petit Le Mans. Last year, he was an endurance driver for Cadillac Racing while being on standby for Chip Ganassi Racing.

He replaces Daly, whose departure was announced a day earlier in what the driver and team said was a mutual decision.

“I was surprised when I got the call from Ed,” Hunter-Reay said in a team release. “He described how frustrated he was that his team has not been able to realize its potential despite their efforts, investments, as well as technical and personnel changes over the past few years and asked for my help. Ed and I are very close friends and have been for a long time. I’ve worked with the team in the past and they are a very talented group with high expectations and a committed partner in BITNILE.COM.

“This will certainly be a challenge for me as well. It’s a tough situation jumping in a car in the middle of the season without any testing in what I believe to be the most competitive series in the world. Certainly, part of my motivation in saying ‘yes’ to Ed is the great challenge ahead. The last time I turned right driving an NTT IndyCar Series car was in October of 2021 with this team at Barber. However, I remain very confident in both my driving and technical abilities and believe by working with the talented people at ECR and Team Chevy, while representing BITNILE.COM, we will make progress. I am going to do everything I can do to help the team achieve its long-term objectives.”

Said Milton “Todd” Ault, the chairman of sponsor BitNile.com: “It is great for BitNile.com to be aligned with an Indy 500 Winner and an NTT IndyCar Series champion. I have followed Ryan’s career for years and I am confident he will challenge the entire ECR team to perform at higher levels. I wish everyone luck at Road America.”