The former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing said Europe "cannot move ahead without the Franco-German engine".

BBC: Europe: A week of speeches and symbolism

MTU, a German engine-builder, is now looking into the matter.

ECONOMIST: To make engines cleaner, add H2O

McLaren introduced several new parts for the home race of their German engine suppliers and sponsors Mercedes as Hamilton ran with a new front wing, diffuser and top bodywork.

BBC: McLaren still fighting - Hamilton

For now, though, the Franco-German motor is purring away like a BMW engine.

ECONOMIST: Rendezvous in Versailles | The

During World War II, America's P51 Mustang fighter, a single-engine prop plane, creamed the first fleet of German combat jets, the Messerschmitt 262.

FORBES: Flying Eclipse's Pocket Jet

Another motor manufacturing super-power, the German-based BMW, will be joining the Williams team next year, as its engine suppliers.

BBC: Toyota set to join F1