Ecclestone to sue if F1 loses its distinctive sound

The Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has threatened to sue motor sport's governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), over its plan to introduce a more fuel-efficient engine in 2014. There is much at stake as 17 race promoters, including Monaco and Silverstone, which hosts next Sunday's British Grand Prix, have said they will switch from F1 to its US rival IndyCar if the new engine is introduced. The new engine, a 15,000rpm V6, is less powerful than the current V8. Mr Ecclestone is concerned it will reduce performance and noise.

Ecclestone says the distinctive noise of F1 engines is important. He added that the new engine "doesn't sound anything like F1".