Legendary F1 engine manufacturer Cosworth likes what it has seen so far from F1 and the direction of its future engine rules as it projects its return to Grand Prix racing.
F1 sporting manager Ross Brawn is hard at work framing the sport's engine platform beyond 2020. Several working group meetings which included manufacturers which are not currently involved in F1 have yielded positive feedback and interest.
Cosworth CEO Hal Reisiger has confirmed his company's interest in returning to F1 as an independent engine manufacturer, to the point where it is now committing resources to the project.
"I think that we've got sufficient support from the existing teams, and we've had discussions with some, that enable us to make the commitment to proceed," Reisiger told Motorsport.com in an exclusive interview.
"More teams committed for a longer term, is always better. But we have some verbal agreements to partner with some existing and future teams that would enable us to be a sustainable engine partner."
Cosworth has been called upon by Ross Brawn to help define the rules of the future, which the company believes should include various changes destined to rid tomorrow's engine of various problematic elements.
"We appreciate being involved in the process," said Reisiger.
"We think we are well suited to come back into F1 if the engine regulations should change, and the compelling change has to be with the heat energy recovery [from the turbo] – because that is the most expensive and time-consuming element.
"If F1 wants a new engine supplier for 2021 there will have to be some changes on that front.
"We have been invited to participate in the working committees which we are happy to do, so we are engaged in the process and looking forward to it."
Reisiger insists that, within the right framework, Cosworth would have the means to offer a competitive power unit capable of performing on a par with Mercedes and Ferrari.
"It is important not only for the teams that we would serve, but for our own brand that we should not get involved in it if we cannot be competitive.
"We have a great historic brand, we want to protect our brand as much as we want to help people win races, but we do think we can do it."
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