SPORTS

Drivers complain new Formula One engines strip sport of powerful sound

The Associated Press Published Friday, March 14, 2014 8:08AM EDT Last Updated Friday, March 14, 2014 8:13AM EDT

Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen of Finland controls his car on turn five during the second practice session at Albert Park ahead of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, March 14, 2014. (AP / Rob Griffith)

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MELBOURNE, Australia -- Formula One's new sound has received the thumbs down from a few big names of motorsport.

The switch to V6 turbo hybrid engines may suit automakers, but some observers believe they've stripped away the sport's powerful sound.

During Friday's testing sessions for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Indy Car driver Will Power tweeted he was "missing the scream of the old F1 cars," while team owner and ex-Cart champion Jimmy Vasser said the cars were "looking slow and ugly and that sound...."

NASCAR's Michael McDowell wondered "Maybe TV is not doing them justice. Are they even shifting?"

Even the F1 drivers were unhappy. After an Australian Air Force fighter jet flew over the track on Friday, Marussia driver Max Chilton said, "Finally some noise returns to the F1 paddock.