Ilmor keen on 2021 entry if a partner is found
- Published on 26 Jul 2017 15:05
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Ilmor chief Mario Illien is interested in producing an engine for Formula 1 in 2021, but will only consider the option if costs are reduced and the company can find a partner to work with in order to slash production costs.
Formula 1 plans to introduce new engines for the 2021 season, with a V6 biturbo with KERS being the preferred option. Illien has attended recent group meetings, along with a series of other manufacturers, to see if a move into the sport after 2020 is a viable option.
Illien told Autosport that the engine may not be supplied under its own name because funding would still not be sufficient: "No, I think that's unlikely, because somebody has to fund the initial development costs Customers are probably not the right way to go, that doesn't pay for it. You probably need a manufacturer to support it. But if you look at Red Bull they've got TAG, so it doesn't need to be a car manufacturer, it could be anybody."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Looks like many companies gun for becoming a works Red Bull partner.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
And why not. However it just seems to long for a major F1 team to get there hands on a competive engine supply. I do not symphasys with merc and ferrari on their stance of not supplying mcLaren or redbull. I hoped that another supplier would come in. But i can't see that happening with the electrification that is in the pipeline for these engine suppliers.
Hepp
Posts: 200
I'd love to see an Ilmor/Cosworth collaboration.
Barron
Posts: 625
There's real irony in your comment considering that Mario spent his formative years in the Design Dept. of Cosworth Engineering designers and manufacturers of the mighty DFV. Yes it would be an intuitive collaboration but I would guess his services wouldn't come cheap whatever the level of participation, and it is somewhat unfortunate that it would take a major car manufacturer to supply the initial funds. I had always hoped that Ford might make a return to F1 having funded the original DFV and we can but hope..