The legendary Cosworth name could return to Formula One racing in 2010 if the FIA pushes ahead with plans to introduce standardised engines, one of three options being offered to the teams should they fail to come up with their own viable cost-cutting measures.
The FIA revealed on Friday that they are in exclusive negotiations with Cosworth, along with gearbox specialists Xtrac and Ricardo Transmissions (XR), to supply a complete low-cost power train that will be made available to all teams. The engine will be based on the current V10 specification, while the gearbox will be an all-new, state-of-the-art unit.
The other engine options being proposed by the FIA are for teams to build their own engines to Cosworth’s specifications, or to continue with their current ‘frozen’ V8s. In both cases, the engine would be paired with the standard XR transmission.
A number of teams have already voiced their opposition to the standardised engine concept and are expected to put forward alternative engine proposals to be considered by the FIA at next week’s World Council meeting.
Friday’s FIA announcement follows news that Honda is to pull out of Formula One racing in light of the global economic downturn, a move that FIA President Max Mosley said further emphasises the need to bring the cost of competing in the sport under control.
“As the guardians of the sport, the FIA is committed to working with the commercial rights holder and the remaining members of FOTA to ensure that Formula One becomes financially sustainable,” read an FIA statement.
Should any teams decide to take up the FIA’s Cosworth offer, they have until next Thursday (December 11) to express their interest. Cosworth last participated in Formula One as suppliers to Williams and Toro Rosso in 2006.
View the full FIA correspondence with the teams:
Letter from FIA President to F1 Teams - 05.12.2008
Letter from FIA President to F1 Teams - 18.11.2008
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