It may be more cost-efficient for each manufacturer to supply a larger number of teams, but it leaves the sport far too dependent on them. If we only have three suppliers, when one pulls out - and they will eventually - we may have a situation where the other two aren't able to fill the gap. Whereas if there were four or five engine manufacturers we'll be in much better shape to withstand one of them in leaving. Not to mention multiple suppliers will give much better competition, now that engines won't be eternally frozen.
I am not entirely on board with this. First of all, it is reasonable to assume, that contractual safeguards are in place that prevent suppliers from changing their minds too quickly, thus this is most likely non-issue.
I haven't done any in-depth calculations other than on my napkin, but it is my opinion that no sane company in the world will get into risky F1 business whilst holding volatile orders what could be for only perhaps one or two sets of engines with teams that one day are in, next day they are out.
Engine competition? Haven't seen any for years, and another x-amount of suppliers will not change that; today's regulation are set up for that. I hate it, but I am not in charge, thus as a fan, I can only take it, or leave it.
Edited by Sakae, 20 March 2013 - 15:02.