F1 plans 'sound generator' to increase noise of V6 engines

The FIA has revealed details of a 'sound generator' which is in the pipeline to crank up the noise produced by F1's hybrid engines.

F1's stakeholders recently signed off a package of engine regulations for 2017 and beyond, with moves to improve the sound of the cars part of the agreement.

Fans and some leading figures within the sport, including Bernie Ecclestone, have argued that some of F1's traditional appeal has been diluted since the advent of quieter turbo engines in 2014.

Speaking at the Spanish GP, Fabrice Lom, the FIA's head of powertrain, said: "There is a perception that the sound is not enough, and we have had very good results with what we call a 'sound generator'.

"It is not fake, but it is not purely natural, let's say, but that would really increase the intensity and quality of the engine sound."

Mercedes have taken a lead in looking at ways to increase the sound of the current engines and recently advertised for a 'noise engineer' to join their Brixworth engine base with the remit of 'improving the turbo hybrid V6 noise appeal without sacrificing power unit or vehicle performance'.

Lom, a former engineer at Renault, says plans for the sound generator are still in the early stages.

"It's a bit early to say [how it will work], it's really under development," he said.

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"But we are using the energy on the exhaust, even if it is not very high, because we recover a lot [of wasted energy], to increase it."

The FIA, F1's governing body, is aiming to have some device in place by 2018 at the latest.

Watch the Spanish GP live on Sky Sports F1. The race starts at 1pm on Sunday, with build-up underway at 11.30am. Or watch the race without a contract for £6.99 on NOW TV.