V8 HOWL 'STILL SOUNDS GREAT'

Some suspect that the new 2.4 litre V8 formula, to in 2006 replace the current V10 power plants, may be a gentler music to the ear.

But an observer near McLaren's recent Mercedes-Benz V8 track debut - at the Elvington airfield (UK) - said the engine howl 'still sounds great.'

He added: "It sounded the same to me."

Cosworth, on the other hand, predict that their 2006 engine will rev at and beyond 20,000rpm, putting the current 18-19,000 V10 in the shade.

- GMM