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Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff has expressed objections to the prospect of the introduction of a cheap engine alternative into Formula 1.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone revealed on Sunday the FIA is to soon announce a tender process in the hope of luring an independent engine provider into F1, making a system with additional power, but requiring more fuel.

With the manufactuers, including Mercedes having spent millions of pounds on developing the current 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 power units, Wolff believes the idea put forward is not the way forward.

"Yes, it can be done, but it's not what we would opt for because we've different objectives," said Wolff.

"The engine manufacturers decided to enter Formula 1 because the current concept fits with what is happening on the roads," he said.

"But then equally from the commercial rights holder the priority is to have a level playing field.

"Introducing a standard engine is a complex project because to be balanced against the current system you need to change the regulations.

"It's a completely different technological approach."

Mercedes feels it has already done enough in agreeing to open up the rules for next season with regard to power unit development.

At a recent meeting in Geneva of the four engine manufacturers - Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Honda - along with the FIA, it was decided there would be no reduction in the number of engine development tokens for next year, and in-season development would be allowed.

"Something not spoken about is we've decided to open up the engine rules for next year," said Wolff.

"We don't want to hear anybody saying the engines are being frozen and there is no possibility to catch up.

"From our perspective it would have been against our core purpose to freeze everything simply because we have an advantage.

"The truth is it wouldn't help Formula 1 nor help us as a brand.

"So we decided to open it up, to allow complete development freedom. You can develop whatever you want.

"We will also have in-season development so you can catch up during the year, so there is no discussion about a freeze any more, a step which is beneficial for everybody."