Three years down the line F1 may switch to 1.5 litre powerplants along with the return of turbochargers. Yes, you’ve heard it right. The years 1977 through 1988 saw the greatest times in the history of sport. It was the turbocharged era. There were the super-fast machines which were regarded the most powerful open-wheel circuit racing cars in the history of motorsport. These turbocharged super powers took motorsport at its peak. They helped the sport live up to its ‘pinnacle of motorsport’ tag.

1977 to 1988 was indeed the best period during which F1 got most of its name and fame. The F1 grid was filled with turbo engines from a variety of builders. The racing cars touched the highest level of performance in the history of motorsport. The then racing cars proved to be true missiles with even 1,100 bhp turbo engines.

Forced induction really took off in 1983 to improve engine power, efficiency, and emissions without much extra weight and minimal modifications to the engine architecture. Till 1988, Formula 1 cars with those extra-wide tyres pushed over 1000 bhp each and travelled round the globe. In 1988, the turbo engine saw an end, its last gasp behind World Champion Aryton Senna’s McLaren, powered by a turbocharged Honda V-6. It now looks like that technology is going to return. The F1 team bosses are looking at switching to 1.5-litre turbocharged engines from 2013.

But, if you’re expecting the same power, please don’t. The Formula 1 turbochargers will focus on efficiency and the engines are not going to develop the same power. In the new engines, only the inline-four configuration will be permitted. Earlier, we had the six- and eight-cylinder mills roaming on the racetracks. The good news is that the new engines would only need half the amount of fuel currently required to race the entire race distance. New F1 trends will now be dictated and the new cars will likely display higher performance with lower consumption of fuel and emissions too. Isn’t that great news? We would have to wait till 2013 though.

With the four-cylinder engine, it sure seems like FIA is looking at re-adopting the standard Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems or KERS technology, just another element of sportiness without excess fuel. This technology is believed to be made use of. Doesn’t this sound exciting? It does. But unfortunately, the KERS technology cannot be adopted by old car manufacturers. Brands like Ferrari do not have makes that can adopt the new kind of engines. So, while most manufacturers are happy about the downsized engines, Ferrari has been largely opposing the move.

If you’re wondering what is bringing about all this talk, well, don’t you think more sponsors will now get attracted towards the race? The smaller race engines would influence the opinions of sponsors and manufacturer works teams who still haven’t made up their minds completely. Rumours say promoting F1’s green credentials can work its way in getting the unnamed sponsors. Just like any other professional motorsport, the importance of sponsorship funding cannot be simple here too.

We have heard that Volkswagen, long on the F1 radar, is likely to look for an entry spot if the turbocharged engines are made mandatory. The German auto maker is looking at entering into the sport. Will it come as an all new team or will it take over Williams? Let’s wait. With Bridgestone leaving the sport, Michelin is looking at coming in again and has forced several conditions, the main one being, switching to 18-inch rims to make its F1 tyres more relevant to its road and sports car programmes.