Standard engine proposal and will it improve Formula 1

The Standard engine rule, which the FIA wants to introduce, is causing a bit of a stir. First Ferrari said they may consider their future involvement in the sport and now Fernando Alonso says he may consider retiring from Formula 1, if the new standard-engine-for-all rule is introduced in 2010.

There have been enough changes in the last few years and everyone seems happy enough to go along, if the changes improve overtaking, excitement and security, but no one wants to see all cars fitted with the same engine. They may as well put a robot driver inside and just let the logos of the sponsors go around the circuits.

The reason given for this proposal is the financial strain on the smaller teams. But will it improve Formula 1?

Most fans would rather see 5 fantastic teams fighting for the title, each with unique cars and engines, rather than 15 mediocre teams with same engine cars, who are just attending and not really competing!