Cosworth eyeing F1 comeback with low budget engine

Cosworth can produce a low-cost engine for F1

Cosworth might be considering a return to F1 as an engine supplier in 2017. This is the claim of Jonathan Noble, editor at Motorsport.com. Amid discussions to cut costs and make it easier for customer teams with lower budgets to survive in the sport, a dual engine route has been discussed by the Formula One Group. This route would introduce a simpler and cheaper turbo V6 engine, or even old V8 engines, as an alternative for customer teams.

"I think we can possibly have the other teams running maybe with a different type of engine that will be the same performance, but a lot less money, " Bernie Ecclestone, F1's commercial chief told Motorsport.com. Ecclestone also think current engine suppliers should be able to proceed in developing their engines.

"I'm saying we'll leave everything as it is for the constructors. Don't touch it."

However, it would be close to impossible for current teams to develop two different engines at once. The solution could be for Cosworth to resurrect their F1 Program. Since their departure from F1 in 2013, a return with a cheaper engine has frequently been rumored, not least when Cosworth opened a new engine plant in Northampton, England, which was said to be able to produce engines meeting requirements of the for 2014 new engine regulations. The British company is supposedly in serious talk of a return to the sport, considering whether it will be economically feasible for them to supply teams with engines again. An unnamed spokesman from Cosworth told Motorsport.com that F1 is an important platform for the company.

"Cosworth's business is on an upward trajectory and remains focused on three core pillars: automotive, performance aftermarket and motorsport.

"Formula 1 has always played a key role in Cosworth's business, and the company will always remain close to the sport. However, we are not in a position to comment on specific rumors."

The latter statement might however imply that the rumors about their return to the sport might just be rumors. In any case, their return will remain pure speculations until the Formula One Group has decided further on what directions they want the 2017 season to take. F1Today.net