Formula One, one of the world’s most popular sports, is considering making some green changes. A growing number of team bosses say they want to make Formula One a high-tech pioneer and leader in fighting climate change rather than a whipping post, Reuters reports.

Proposed changes include smaller engines, using bio-fuel and restricting the use of wind tunnels.

Formula One says it will introduce major rule changes by 2011 to promote fuel conservation. Many of the 11 teams have already implemented measures to reduce their “carbon footprint” – but faster speeds and winning races remain the main target.

Not everyone is onboard. Norbert Haug, head of motor sport at Mercedes, defended the sport and said that the millions of people watching Formula One races on television are thus not using their cars while the race is under way.

In February, Honda’s formula one team announced that it would skip sponsorship identification on its cars. Instead, the Honda RA107s would be entirely covered by artwork depicting the planet earth, as part of a strategy to give formula one a more relevant and ethical image.