Turbos back in Indycar racing

IndyCar racing will return to its turbocharged roots when new engine rules come into force in 2011 or 2012.

The next generation of Indycars will be powered by four-cylinder single-turbo engines of just two litres, Indy Racing League officials have confirmed. The formula replaces the existing regulations for normally aspirated V8s that came into force in 1997.

The new rules have resulted from a series of round-table discussions involving Indycar’s sole engine supplier at present, Honda, and a number of other manufacturers and racing engine specialists. Audi, Volkswagen, Fiat and Porsche are still participating in that process and the IRL is hopeful that one or more manufacturers will join Honda in building engines to the new formula.

IRL competitions boss Brian Barnhart said: ”We’re in a little bit of a waiting game right now. We’re at a point where at least one of them should be seeking board approval for participation in the next 60 days.”