Power Unit Usage

[BrisbaneAndy 0]

This fascinates me. Apparently, Vettel, Alonso and Raikkonen have used five engines so far. One more and they lose grid spots. Ricciardo, Hamilton and Rosberg have used four each. I have not bothered to mention the other drivers who are borderline and Kvyat has already taken a penalty.

Allen does not mention the other components but the actual Technical Delegate's report goes into great detail. Alonso has used five CE units.

Will this be a more deciding factor than we thought? Some top drivers will get penalised, surely, before season's end.

I read that it is a cost saving measure. I do not get that, I understand that engine design will take into account longevity, but the cost of building an engine would be nothing compared with the cost of development. Teams are penalised for using too many components, but they still spend the money.

If the FIA were fair dinkum about cost saving, it would be five PU's for the season, no sixth or seventh and no grid penalties. But then, that would spoil the show. Is it just another show enhancing measure, along with DRS, sparks etc?

I understand it is a measure to drive teams away from the grenade engines of yore, but restricting power unit usage to the point that it plays a serious part in the championships seems a little OTT.

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2014/09/will-one-of-the-big-f1-names-fall-foul-of-engine-penalties-this-weekend/