Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsRed Bull Racing

Illien denies Red Bull involvement

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Engine guru Mario Illien has denied being involved in Red Bull's potential engine plans for 2016.

It was rumored earlier this week that Illien could offer his engineering expertise to Red Bull in 2016, should the team decide to bring in-house an engine development based on an unbadged version of Renault's D-spec upgraded power unit set to be introduced in Brazil next week.

But the Ilmor founder, who confirmed that he had provided the Milton Keynes outfit with some input this year regarding Renault's power unit, said he wasn't aware of Red Bull and Renault's current engine prospects.

"I have no idea what upgrades Renault has incorporated in its modified engine," Illien told German publication Auto, Motor und Sport. "I cannot imagine that a large company like Renault would secretly install my development."

Illien did however acknowledge Ilmor's interest in the FIA's concept of introducing a cheaper customer engine in 2017, should the idea come to fruition.

As a reminder, the British engineering company already supplies a Chevrolet-badged twin turbo V6 engine for the US Indycar series.

"If it happens I will look then at what the tender says and decide what I'm doing," Illien concluded.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.