Cosworth switch an option for Red Bull
McLaren, Mercedes' exclusive F1 partner, vetoed Red Bull's desired switch to the German marque's engines, and it is believed that moving to Cosworth was ruled out due to question marks about the returning British supplier's 2.4 liter V8.
It is believed that an internal deadline at Red Bull Racing simply came and went without a decision, moving Adrian Newey to progress with work on the 2010 car on the basis of the current Renault specification.
Team driver Vettel was asked by spox.com if he wanted to be powered next year by the Mercedes engine, which is regarded as the best currently in F1.
"It is obvious that the Mercedes engine was an important piece of the success of Brawn," the German answered.
"As a team, and myself as a driver, we want the best possible package. That will be possible next season with different engines, including the Renault," added Vettel.
Red Bull was thought to be on the verge of announcing an ongoing Renault deal, but the French manufacturer's deliberations about its future in formula one are causing yet another delay.
Renault's hypothetical withdrawal from F1 as a chassis maker might benefit Red Bull, as the carmaker is tipped to stay on the grid solely as an engine supplier.
Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, meanwhile, reports talks about a takeover of Renault's F1 engine division between the carmaker and Mario Illien.
10/15/09 (GMM) Switching to Cosworth power for 2010 is an option for Red Bull Racing, the energy drink's motor racing advisor Helmut Marko has admitted.
Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that the team, whose move to its preferred engine supplier Mercedes has been vetoed by McLaren, is not considering staying with Renault next season.
The publication said Red Bull officials are in contact with Cosworth, who also look likely to supply Williams next season.
Cosworth is an increasingly attractive partner for teams, given that the independent British outfit is the only F1 engine supplier currently allowed to be working extensively on its 2010 design.
The outfit is retuning its 2006 V8 unit for the new 8 engines per season regulations as well as the mandatory 18,000rpm rev limit, while the manufacturer teams are in the midst of the development freeze.
"Cosworth is an alternative that we are looking at," Marko said at Suzuka two weeks ago. It is believed Red Bull's design about its 2010 engine supplier is imminent.