French F1 Supplier Renault Links Up With Ilmor Engineering

French F1 supplier Renault is "linking up with an engine specialist" based in Northampton, U.K., according to John Murray Brown of the FINANCIAL TIMES. Ilmor Engineering said on Wednesday that it was "restricted by confidentiality agreements from commenting on the collaboration." But Red Bull, one of the teams that used the Renault engine last season, "has confirmed the link-up."

It will give Renault access to Ilmor co-Founder Mario Illien, a long-time F1 engine designer. The link-up means that this season, "of the four engine suppliers to the sport, three of them — Renault, Mercedes and Honda" — will now be tapping into U.K. "engineering expertise when the checkered flag comes down on the opening race."

The one engine supplier not linked to the U.K. is Ferrari. Motorsport Industry Association CEO Chris Aylett said, "If you're in engines and more specifically F1 engines, it would appear that Northampton is the place to be." Aylett estimates revenues from U.K. motorsport are growing about 10-15% a year and the sector is worth $13.7B to the economy. FT