Cosworth is staying in formula one and designing a V6 engine even though it only has two customers for 2012.
Team Lotus switched to Renault power last year and Williams is following suit for 2012, leaving struggling Virgin and Hispania as the only Cosworth teams on the grid.

The independent Northampton based engine maker said when it returned to F1 in 2010 that it needed a minimum number of customers to make its programme viable.

But when asked if Cosworth can survive with only two teams on the books, boss Mark Gallagher told Auto Motor und Sport: “We can.”

He explains: “We regard each of our customer contracts as a separate deal. Each has fixed costs: engine, support at the track, development, individual adjustment to the car.

“So there is a profit with each deal. With regards to 2012, instead of having three separate profits, there will be only two.”

Chief executive Tim Routsis expands: “In 2010 we supplied mainly new teams, and no one knew whether they would survive. It would not have made sense if we had not taken a potential collapse of one of these teams into account.

“As a fourth team, Williams was for us rather a bonus,” he added.

And Routsis said it was always clear that Williams might jump ship at any moment.

“(Chairman) Adam Parr was always quite clear with us, saying from the outset that they would jump at the first chance of being with a car manufacturer,” he said.

As for the future, Cosworth is happy with the change of plan from four-cylinder to V6 engines to debut in 2014.

Said Gallagher: “For the four cylinder there was no cost-curbing device. The big manufacturers were counting on at least EUR 60 million for development, while for us we are dependent on the payments from our customers.”

He added that the V6 rules restrict development costs much more effectively.

“We also have a customer guarantee,” revealed Gallagher. “Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault have committed that at least two customers will stay with us. Three would be ideal.”

Auto Motor und Sport speculated that Cosworth has set its sights on signing Force India, or the team currently known as Lotus Renault GP.

Virgin is in talks with McLaren and Mercedes about a technical collaboration for 2012.
That is the claim of the Italiaracing magazine, saying the situation could be similar to Force India’s current McLaren/Mercedes alliance.

The report said struggling Virgin’s package would include the engine, transmission, KERS and rear suspension.

It is the latest rumour suggesting the team is seeking a change of direction after two years with Nick Wirth leading the technical strategy.

It would also be a big blow to Virgin’s current engine supplier Cosworth, who it is rumoured could also lose Williams to Renault power.

“The reality is, competition on the track technically is always matched by competition off the track commercially,” said the British supplier’s Mark Gallagher.

“We are well used to that at Cosworth and we believe we have an extremely good product and we don’t really fear competition from anyone.”

Renault and Cosworth have written a letter to the FIA as F1 struggles to find agreement over a new engine formula for 2013.

The FIA is pushing hard for turbocharged 4 cylinder engines with exhaust-heat KERS capabilities to replace the current normally-aspirated V8s, and aiming to rubber-stamp the rules at the World Motor Sport Council in December.

Superficially, the engine makers support the sport’s ‘green’ direction but are concerned about initial costs and then a development arms race.

Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports that the Renault and Cosworth-powered teams last week signed a letter to the FIA pointing out the weaknesses of the proposed new rules.

They want tight limits on things including minimum weights for pistons and conrods and the entire engine unit.

“If the new engine formula becomes an arms race in turbochargers and cylinder heads, then an independent engine manufacturer will have no chance,” said Cosworth’s Mark Gallagher.

Renault team boss Eric Boullier said the French supplier will support new rules “within certain cost limits”.

“Our market in production cars is for four cylinders with a hybrid. For that reason we are not unhappy with that engine format (for F1).

“But it is about how the rules are defined. The less clear they are, the more expensive it becomes,” he insisted.

It is hoped that a cost-effective and modern engine formula might entice new suppliers, including the recently departed Honda and Toyota, into F1.

But Ross Brawn, still with contacts within Honda, said: “They’re not planning to return.”

Formula one teams must close their factories for a mandatory two-week period between last Sunday’s Hungarian grand prix and the next race in Belgium.

The shutdown – commenced at the stroke of midnight after the Hungaroring race by McLaren, Mercedes, Williams and Sauber – is a cost-cutting measure agreed between the teams.

“It still seems odd to me to have a shutdown but it’s probably good for people,” said McLaren’s Martin Whitmarsh.

It had been reported that Ferrari also closed its doors on Sunday, but the Maranello based outfit will in fact commence its shutdown next Sunday, as will F1′s other Italian team Toro Rosso.

Engine supplier Cosworth’s F1 unit closed on Tuesday.  “I think the staff all deserve a break,” said Mark Gallagher.

On Wednesday, HRT will begin its two week closed period, followed by Virgin on Saturday.

And on Monday, Red Bull, Renault and Force India will close their doors.

Williams will continue to be powered by Cosworth engines in 2011, the British team said in the Silverstone paddock on Thursday.

It had been rumoured that the team was eyeing a switch to Renault, but Cosworth's Mark Gallagher responded by insisting a three-year contract is in place.

Due to the duration of the current contract, and the fact the situation will be unchanged in 2011, it is believed the Grove based outfit will not issue a media statement to confirm the identity of its ongoing engine supplier for 2011.

Also announced by Williams on Thursday is that chief executive Adam Parr is now taking over as chairman, even though Sir Frank Williams remains the official team principal.

But Parr's new role hands him full responsibility of the day-to-day running of the team, with long-time boss and majority shareholder Williams, 68, still having the final say on decisions.

Cosworth has played down rumours that Lotus is set to switch to Renault power for the 2011 season.

Recently, the British independent engine maker also played down speculation Williams could change suppliers, insisting the team last year signed a three-year contract.

But Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports that, like Williams, Lotus has also been disappointed with Cosworth’s 2010 engine, including driveability issues and performance degradation.

“With Lotus, as with all the new teams, we have a three-year contract,” Cosworth’s business director Mark Gallagher said in Valencia.

He said he has spoken with Lotus team owner Tony Fernandes about the rumours.

“He told me that they were contacted by all three of the engine companies,” said Gallagher, referring to Renault, Ferrari and Mercedes.

“That is the reward for being the best of the new teams,” he added.  “He (Fernandes) told us that for next season, they are planning (to be) with us.”

(GMM)

Adam Parr is not ruling out a change of engine supplier for Williams.

Amid rumours both Williams and Lotus could each be eyeing a supply of Renault V8s in 2011, Cosworth’s Mark Gallagher has insisted both teams are under contract for three years.

Parr, Williams’ chief executive, likened a F1 team’s relationship with its key suppliers to a marriage.

“You do have rows with your wife, but you know you have got the common interest and I still think that is the case,” Parr, referring to Williams’ recent qualms about the driveability and degradation of the Cosworth engine this year, is quoted by GP Week.

“But we have no plans to change engine partner, and we have no desire to change engine partner,” he continued.

“I just don’t want to rule out the possibility of something happening because that would be a stupid thing to do,” he added.

(GMM)

Cosworth is tweaking the design of its formula one engine in order to accommodate KERS systems in 2011.

Although already permitted by the technical regulations, the teams voluntarily agreed to not use the energy-recovery technology this season.

But for 2011, the FOTA ban will lapse, and teams currently powered by Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault have indicated they will fit KERS systems to their cars.

Williams has also indicated it will run KERS in 2011, and as well as the British team, Northampton based Cosworth also currently powers Lotus, Virgin and HRT.

“We have to make several new configurations to our V8 and also change some of the accessories,” Cosworth’s business director Mark Gallagher is quoted by Autosprint’s Italian-language auto.it.

He confirmed: “Our partners will be able to use KERS if they so choose.”

(GMM)

Cosworth has played down reports Williams is set to switch to Renault engine power in 2011.

It has been suggested that Grove based Williams is unhappy with the performance of the 2.4 litre V8, especially its degradation as it ages.

But Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports that the British independent engine maker, also the supplier to the three new teams, has commenced a programme to improve the deficiencies.

And Cosworth’s business director Mark Gallagher said: “We have a three year contract with Williams, and there is no evidence they want to end this relationship.”

He also said all of the candidates to be F1′s 13th team in 2011 “with one exception” have been in talks with Cosworth.

Auto Motor und Sport reports that Cosworth is the cheapest engine supplier on the grid, with its engine costing EUR 5.5 million per year compared to the 9m price-tag for Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault power.

The publication said Nicolas Todt’s hopeful ART team wants to be powered by Ferrari.

But Gallagher insists that Cosworth provides a highly reliable product, while the input of Rubens Barrichello has helped the marque to improve the engine’s driveability.

As for the loss of horse power in the middle of the engine’s life, Gallagher revealed: “We have found the cause and brought a solution to the FIA for permission to make the change.”

(GMM)

Jun.18 (GMM)  There could be more Renault-powered cars on next year’s formula one grid than any other engine supplier.

Although the French marque currently supplies its 2.4 litre V8 only to the team that bears its name as well as Red Bull, it is reported that Williams is now close to agreeing a deal for 2011.

There have been reports that the Grove based team is less than fully happy with the returning supplier Cosworth this year, while at the same time Renault has confirmed it is looking to add a team to its customer engine roster.

Also linked with a switch to Renault has been the currently Cosworth-powered new team Lotus, while Cosworth’s business director Mark Gallagher recently said he suspects equipping the sport’s 13th team for 2011 will be “a Cosworth/Renault competition”.

A report by France’s Auto Hebdo said it is likely that eight cars on the 2011 grid will be fitted with Renault engines.

“An agreement with Williams is almost done,” said the magazine.

Rather than bracing to lose a customer, Cosworth says it is ready to supply engines to a fifth formula one team next year.

The British marque’s business director Mark Gallagher played down recent reports that the currently Cosworth-powered Williams or Lotus could be moving to switch to Renault.

Renault has said it is willing to add to its customer engine roster for 2011, but Gallagher told Reuters that he thinks Williams, Lotus, Virgin and HRT are going nowhere.

“The obvious solution is actually the thirteenth team that is coming into formula one,” he said.

“My gut feeling is that it is probably a Cosworth/Renault competition to supply (that) team,” added Gallagher.

Even if the four Cosworth-powered teams all stay put, Gallagher said the Northampton-based supplier has the capacity to supply a fifth team.

“It certainly wouldn’t be a problem to step up to the mark again and do it for next season,” he said.

(GMM)

Cosworth’s business manager has scolded reports that HRT will struggle financially to make it through the 2010 season.

The speculation was triggered by Bernie Ecclestone, when the F1 chief executive was quoted as suggesting the new Spanish team is in difficulties.

But Cosworth’s Mark Gallagher said the general attitude about the sport’s new teams is wrong.

“There has been something of a tendency to find fault or criticism with the new teams wherever possible and I think this criticism is quite unjust,” he said on Monday.

Cosworth powers all of the three new teams in 2010, as well as Williams.

“From a Cosworth perspective all three new teams work hard and are good commercial as well as technical partners,” Gallagher added.

“I think we are in a better position than most to comment on their condition and what we see is nothing but positive.”

He also addressed reports that Williams, the only established team on Cosworth’s books in 2010, has been disappointed with aspects of the engine so far.

“The engine has achieved or exceeded its targets but we have also seen some issues which we are working hard to resolve,” said Gallagher.

(GMM)

Cosworth engine supplier since 2006, has enjoyed his first action in the Formula One racetrack.  This week two of his clients have tested its engines.

The AT & T Williams team carried out the three day test in the Valencia Circuit in Spain, placing the Cosworth V8 CA to seriously give its first steps for the first time in a racetrack.

The new Virgin Racing team unveiled its digitally designed racing car known as the VR-01, with Cosworth engine on Wednesday before the initial sampler session in Silverstone.

This way, Cosworth F1 executives have expressed their first impressions

In an interview with Mark Gallagher, Director General of Cosworth F1 (Business Unit) he was asked about “what relevance have this week’s activities had regarding the World Championship:”
“We are excited to have begun this week the pre-season tests in Valencia with Williams, because it was our first opportunity to see the CA in the rear end of a racing car with all the consequences that has.  The development and test of an engine in our installations in Northampton is one thing, but to see it in the racetrack takes us to a new phase in our program, “ explained Mark Gallagher.

It’s evident that they are thrilled with the debut in the F1, giving credit to their work with Williams, the Director stated;  “Our work with Williams has been very important to collect data, driver’s response and to measure the initial results of the combination of the CA engine to the FW32 chassis.  Our first performance measure will always be the durability, and the fact that Rubens and Nico have completed more than 1.200 kms between both, showed that the engine’s reliability has been up to our expectations. We also paid attention to the global success of the overall installation; see how the engine works together with the Williams gear selection and prove all the associated systems, pressures, cooling system, temperatures.. [...]  Now, we’re waiting for next week’s test in Jerez where we can take our technical program with the team to the next level. “

However, the Director looked particularly excited with the Cosworth VR-01 combination.  “It was very gratifying to see the Virgin-Cosworth VR-01 this week and to welcome the first of our new teams in the Formula One.  We have developed a solid work relationship with Virgin Racing during the last months, and I would like to congratulate Nick Wirth and his design team for the results of their efforts. We’re doing all that is possible to support them since the beginning of their activities in  F1 and when they join with Williams in Jerez, next week we’ll have two teams in the racetrack which will increase our pre-season activities very much.“

What are you specifically involved with? “We were at Silverstone with Virgin Racing for a shakedown session, as a base before the test in Jerez.  Even though the weather conditions were good today, the car worked as expected and it has been a good opportunity to start to understand the new chassis-engine.  This will help to insure that we’re capable of doing most of next week’s important test in Spain.“