The FIA has taken the next step in its plan to introduce a budget engine for 2017 after calling on potential manufacturers to express their interest in the proposal.
After plans for a cost cap on the current engines was vetoed by Ferrari, the FIA put forward its plans to introduce a cheaper alternative engine in Formula One. The specification of the engine has not yet been revealed, but manufacturers interested in taking on the contract will be given further details of the FIA's plans.
Although the governing body has not yet launched an official tender, it has called on independent engine manufacturers to get in touch with details about their technical capabilities and proof of they could make such a project financially viable.
"The FIA has decided to launch a consultation among the engine manufacturers in order to potentially identify for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons of the aforementioned Championship an exclusive alternative engine manufacturer which will be solely entitled to supply this alternative engine to the competitors entered for said seasons of the Championship," the FIA document reads.
"The FIA is now calling for expressions of interest to identify candidates interested in becoming the exclusive supplier of the alternative engine to the competitors. This call for expressions of interest is governed by French law."
Candidates have to provide a list of information, including engineering expertise, staff numbers, machining capabilities, ability to raise sufficient funding to supply the engine and spare parts as well as a complete description of the plans to produce the engine.
The document added: "The candidates whose expression of interest meets the requirements stated in this document may be entitled to participate in a tendering procedure the aim of which would be to identify an exclusive supplier of the alternative engines to the competitors."