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May 23rd
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FIA set 15000rpm engine limit for 2014

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The governing body of F1 has confirmed that the 2014 engine rules will also see the imposition of a 15,000rpm rev limit on the new 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 engines that the sport will adopt, higher than the originally-planned 12,000rpm limit.

The low rev limit of the original rules was one of the main gripes from fans and F1 bosses unhappy with the possible lack of noise that the new engines would make.

Track bosses are known to be particularly concerned with the possiblity that the new 2014 version of F1 will sound less impressive than the current grid.

Originally, the 12,000 limit was attached to the four-cylinder engine rules that the FIA was planning to adopt, but the sport has since moved towards a V6 future.

And the new draft 2014 Technical Regulations, released by the FIA on THursday ahead of this weekend's German Grand Prix, confirm that this original limit will be increased.

The new 15,000rpm rev limit was only part of the changes earmarked in the FIA's new rules, with the push for a 'greener' F1 highlighted by the fact that from 2014, cars must be run entirely by electrical means while in the pit lane.

"The car must be run in electric mode (no ignition and no fuel supply to the engine) at all times when being driven in the pit lane," the new rule 5.19 states.

The new 2014 rules are designed mainly to help boost the green credentials of the sport, with an increased emphasis on energy recovery systems.

Meanwhile, the rules published on Thursday also confirmed the introduction of an eight-speed gearbox from the start of 2014, as well as changes to the transmission of the cars.

The traditional use of external starter motors will also be eradicated, with drivers now expected to be able to start their own cars without outside help.

"It must be possible for the driver to start the engine at any time when seated normally at the wheel and without any external assistance," the new Regulation 5.18 confirmed.