Future of Cosworth

All that has to do with the power train, gearbox, clutch, fuels and lubricants, etc. Generally the mechanical side of Formula One.

Post Tue Aug 09, 2011 4:21 am

xpensive,

The reason Cosworth survived as long as it has (albeit in various forms) is because they mostly tried to approach F1 (or any race engine program) from a business standpoint. For the most part, Cosworth would not pursue programs without external funding. And it has worked out well for them. Even though their most successful engines (DFV, DFX, HC, etc.) were badged as Fords, everyone remembers them as Cosworths.

Cosworth is currently in the hands of a pair of level-headed US businessmen (Forsythe and Kalkhoven), so I'm sure their future is secure.

riff_raff
"Q: How do you make a small fortune in racing?
A: Start with a large one!"
riff_raff
 
Joined: 24 Dec 2004

Post Tue Aug 09, 2011 5:29 am

An interesting historical lesson riff, but my point is that with a backer such as Ford on the valve-covers, they wouldn't have to offload the development costs on their very few customers. As Cosworth's situation is at the moment, they will have to rely on HRT and Virgin to pay for the development of a brand new direct injection V6 turbo with all the recovery systems to go with it.

That situation is not credible to my mind.
"Bernoulli is a nine-letter name"
xpensive
 
Joined: 22 Nov 2008

Post Thu Sep 15, 2011 7:26 am

Cosworth might be in trouble, apparently virgin are thinking of switching to Mercedes power (2013) and HRT might be going to Renault power for next year. See the HRT F111 forum for more. Can any manufacturer remain profitable by selling engines to just one team? Especially when developing a new engine for 2014.
I've found a way of ducting exhaust right to the diffuser edge like in 2011 and created a new wheel fastener that could allow sub 2 second pitstops see them here --> My 2013 F1 Concept Project
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Location: On my horse, my horse is amazing.

Post Thu Sep 15, 2011 9:16 am

The silly season has gone mad. Its not being helped by people purporting to know better conflating the "stories". Allow me to impart some rumour control. As I understand it HRT were discussing a possible supply deal for 2013 when their contract expires. I do not expect HRT to break their existing contract with Cosworth and face the financial penalties associated with that.
With regards to Virgin; there does not seem to be a day that someone here is linking them to a Macca transmission deal or Mercedes engine supply.
An interesting corollary is that Eric Boullier has admitted to talks with Cosworth over a possible engine deal as well. What's likely to finish Cosworth is if they fail to offer an inhouse KERS system to their partner teams. That would indicate an inability to adapt to the regulations.
I fear a lot of rumours are picked up by non specialist journos and exagerated in the hope of raing circulation.
Petroltorque
 
Joined: 27 Jul 2011

Post Thu Sep 15, 2011 10:45 am

Don't shoot the messenger in future, ok.

And if you haven't bothered to read the forum I mentioned, HRT could get a free supply of better engines out of it (at the cost of a new driver which is no bad thing). So the financial penalty might be worth it depending on how big it is. And KERS compatibility too.
I've found a way of ducting exhaust right to the diffuser edge like in 2011 and created a new wheel fastener that could allow sub 2 second pitstops see them here --> My 2013 F1 Concept Project
MIKEY_!
 
Joined: 10 Jul 2011
Location: On my horse, my horse is amazing.

Post Fri Sep 16, 2011 12:27 am

With HRT thinking about switching to the Renault engine and Williams already set to switch in 2012 is there a future for Cosworth in F1?
I know their target was to have 2 customers for their engines but if HRT also decides to switch that will leave just Virgin, something I'm sure that Cosworth didn't see happening just a few months ago.
Of course when P.U.R.E. enters the picture, this is sure to put more pressure on them.
Will it be feasible for them to carry on with just one customer and is there anything to stop Virgin switching engines should they so choose in the future.
I've read recently that the team currently known as Renault are looking at their options and switching to Cosworth engines is their plan B.
Of course this would be excellent news for Cosworth but what would possibly make them switch?
Talking about the team currently known as Renault, are they going to be changing their name anytime soon?
With Red Bull declaring themselves the closest thing to a Renault works team and Renault possibly changing engines, surely a name change is in the works?
Last edited by mx_tifoso on Fri Sep 16, 2011 3:03 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Was a seperate thread titled "Is there a future for Cosworth in F1?".
Tyler
 
Joined: 6 Jul 2011

Post Fri Sep 16, 2011 3:18 am

I believe the name thing was sorted recently. Lotus (green and gold) will give up the lotus name and Renault/lotus (black and gold) will keep it. That leaves the door open for new lotus (black and gold) to use any engine it likes (except for any fine print). Lotus and cosworth have a history together but the Renault engine is better so i don't see a switch happening. Until 2015 at least, when they know if the new Renault engine is any good.
I've found a way of ducting exhaust right to the diffuser edge like in 2011 and created a new wheel fastener that could allow sub 2 second pitstops see them here --> My 2013 F1 Concept Project
MIKEY_!
 
Joined: 10 Jul 2011
Location: On my horse, my horse is amazing.

Post Fri Sep 16, 2011 5:55 am

Thanks Mikey - any idea what Team Lotus will change their name to?
Team Caterham perhaps?
Tyler
 
Joined: 6 Jul 2011

Post Fri Sep 16, 2011 7:55 am

Could be or perhaps AirAsia F1 since Tony Fernandes owns that too.
I've found a way of ducting exhaust right to the diffuser edge like in 2011 and created a new wheel fastener that could allow sub 2 second pitstops see them here --> My 2013 F1 Concept Project
MIKEY_!
 
Joined: 10 Jul 2011
Location: On my horse, my horse is amazing.

Post Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:37 am

It should be Team Caterham Air Asia like GP2.
matt21
 
Joined: 15 Mar 2010

Post Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:46 am

Bit off topic but for those who are interested:
Image

http://gridreversal.wordpress.com/2011/07/21/caterham-team-airasia-prepare-for-another-first-in-germany/

Or look on wiki

Not a bad team, currently 3rd in D.C, 2nd in T.C (GP2 Asia)
I've found a way of ducting exhaust right to the diffuser edge like in 2011 and created a new wheel fastener that could allow sub 2 second pitstops see them here --> My 2013 F1 Concept Project
MIKEY_!
 
Joined: 10 Jul 2011
Location: On my horse, my horse is amazing.

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