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Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost has backed the FIA's initiative to introduce an independent and cost-effective Formula 1 engine from 2017.

After Ferrari vetoed a maximum price being imposed on the current power units, the FIA announced plans to introduce a cheaper alternative engine.

And on Friday, the governing body began its search for a company to build the engine by calling for expressions of interest.

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn has previously said while it is important the cost is brought down, F1 is heading in the wrong direction by introducing such a power unit.

But fellow midfield team boss Tost believes it could be the budget solution F1 needs and answer calls for better sounding engines.

"I think it's a good idea," he said.

"We from Toro Rosso will support it because we want to have this new engine - at least to have the possibility to choose something - because the current power unit costs a hell of a lot of money.

"It would be flexible and we will have a new sound.

"I think that most of the fans and people here want to have another engine with a better sound."

Toro Rosso is set to use year-old Ferrari engines next year after parting with current supplier Renault.

Although Lotus is poised to become a Renault factory operation again next season, its deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi said its years as a customer engine user left it well aware of the high costs involved.

"From our point of view it will be good for the sport to have this new engine running," he said.

"I think it's important to move into that direction and keep the prices as down as possible in order for all of us to be more competitive."

Outgoing Manor sporting director Graeme Lowdon hopes the independent power unit could stop F1 form being so engine dependent.

"I think we need to welcome anything that is designed to make the sport more sustainable and hopefully, as well, put back into the hands of the teams a little bit more about what they can control," he said.

"None of the teams here [in the press conference] make engines and therefore you can see that there's frustration among certain teams where they don't have the ability to fully influence their position in the constructors' championship.

"There's no championship for an engine manufacturer and yet it has such an enormous influence."