Formula 1 costs a huge deterrent for Ford

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The company which underwrote the success of Formula 1's most victorious engine, the Ford Cosworth, says that it is unlikely to return to Grand Prix racing any time soon.

As Formula 1 looks ahead to its transformation and future under the guidance of its new owners, Liberty Media, hope has arisen that a new dawn could encourage more manufacturers to get involved with the pinnacle of motorsport.

But Ford Performance director, Dave Pericak says the US company isn't interested in Formula 1 because of the huge costs associated with the sport.

"I don't see us getting into that any time soon," the American executive told Motorsport.com.

"Formula 1 is so expensive. If you look at every series we are in right now there is a relevance to all the goals and objectives we have, in developing our tools, technology and people and translating that into road cars. Every series that we're in has an element of that."

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Obviously, a cost-effective racing series offering relevance to its products is a pre-requisite for Ford. And F1 fails that test in its current guise, contrary to endurance racing where Ford's GT has made its mark.

"To be able to leverage that [racing] programme to polish the Ford oval and to communicate what Ford is about – our engineering prowess. It's been really powerful," Pericak 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.