Mclaren Engine Material Under Threat

Aluminium beryllium - the exotic metal used by both Mercedes and Peugeot to line their cylinders - may be banned from the end of 1999 in an effort to cut costs for other teams.


Ferrari led the calls for a boycott of the material, having discovered that its main title rival was planning to introduce it in its engines for the remaining two races of 1998, and a meeting of engine manufacturers at the Italian GP also witnessed a vote in favour of an immediate ban on its use. At present only Mercedes and Peugeot use aluminium beryllium, although Arrows said that it would join the list if it could afford to. Ferrari's main objection was on the grounds of beryllium's toxicity but, as this would only occur in the manufacturing stage, it was deemed not to affect the sport directly.


The FIA, however, has added its weight to the argument by claiming that the use of exotic alloys is an unnecessary expense, and is considering banning their use from the beginning of the 2000 season.