SHANGHAI (China) - FORMULA One took a major step toward a common engine design for all cars by opening tenders for a third-party supplier on Friday.

A statement released by the FIA said the supplied engines and transmission systems would be used by competitors in the 2010, 2011, and 2012 seasons.

Formula One chiefs Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone had promoted the concept of a common engine to cut spiralling technological costs in the arms race between teams.

The manufacturer-based teams, which now dominate F1, had previously expressed reservations about the introduction of a common engine between teams, as it significantly cut their ability to use

F1 to promote their branded technological expertise. -- AP