Formula 1 would “probably” attract more manufacturers if its engine format could be used in other series, FIA president Jean Todt has said.

The concept of a ‘world motorsport engine’, different variants of which could be used in a range of championships, has been mooted before but never successfully implemented.

Todt made the remarks while admitting he was “very sceptical” F1 could attract a new manufacturer in 2021, when changes to the engine rules were planned.

“Personally I was always pessimistic to the fact that with specific rules for Formula 1 we could have more than four manufacturers,” he told media including RaceFans. “It’s really a great achievement to have four different power trains for 10 teams.”

“That’s why I have to consider to have some common regulations in other championships,” he added. “Probably it would encourage more manufactures if you were able to have seven to 10 customers to be able to buy the product. But that has not happened.”

F1 had a “demonstration of interest” from one party, according to Todt. “[They] said to us we are not in a situation to commit for ’21 but what is very important for us its to know exactly what will be the regulations because it will be a strong interest in the future.”

Retaining the four current engine manufacturers – Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Honda – should be F1’s priority, said Todt.

“I always say also it would be very unfair to the four engaged [manufacturers] to say ‘we want to attract a new one so let’s change everything’.

“What about them? About all the investment they have been doing for years, and we say we change completely the regulations because we may have one or two coming [in].

“If we can secure those four, for me that would be a great achievement.”

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2018 F1 season