Cosworth wins position as FIA standard engine tender for 2010.

[EJ25RUN]

The legendary Cosworth name could return to Formula One racing in 2010 if the FIA pushes ahead with plans to introduce standardised engines, one of three options being offered to the teams should they fail to come up with their own viable cost-cutting measures.

The FIA revealed on Friday that they are in exclusive negotiations with Cosworth, along with gearbox specialists Xtrac and Ricardo Transmissions (XR), to supply a complete low-cost power train that will be made available to all teams. The engine will be based on the current V10 specification, while the gearbox will be an all-new, state-of-the-art unit.

The other engine options being proposed by the FIA are for teams to build their own engines to Cosworth’s specifications, or to continue with their current ‘frozen’ V8s. In both cases, the engine would be paired with the standard XR transmission.

A number of teams have already voiced their opposition to the standardised engine concept and are expected to put forward alternative engine proposals to be considered by the FIA at next week’s World Council meeting.

Friday’s FIA announcement follows news that Honda is to pull out of Formula One racing in light of the global economic downturn, a move that FIA President Max Mosley said further emphasises the need to bring the cost of competing in the sport under control.

“As the guardians of the sport, the FIA is committed to working with the commercial rights holder and the remaining members of FOTA to ensure that Formula One becomes financially sustainable,” read an FIA statement.

Should any teams decide to take up the FIA’s Cosworth offer, they have until next Thursday (December 11) to express their interest. Cosworth last participated in Formula One as suppliers to Williams and Toro Rosso in 2006.

View the full FIA correspondence with the teams:

Max Mosley's letter to the teams.

[Sport1.3]

[Sport1.3]

Also, to EJ25run for consistantly keeping me updated in the FIA sanctioned racing world.... good work sir

[EJ25RUN]

You do realize this means all these companies \/ have no reason to be in F1 anymore.

1. Ferrari
2. Toyota
3. Mercedes Benz
4. BMW

I would say Honda but they officially pulled out yesterday.

What is the point of a engine constructor in F1 when you are not proving you're worth? This is a bad day for F1.

To add, Ferrari & Toyota have said they'd leave if this goes through. Now that Ferrari powers A1GP, that isn't a distant possibility.

Also, to EJ25run for consistantly keeping me updated in the FIA sanctioned racing world.... good work sir

lol, when your main hobby is motor racing, it's hard not to need up to the minute news.

[Sport1.3]

You do realize this means:

1. Ferrari
2. Toyota
3. Mercedes Benz
4. BMW

I would say Honda but they officially pulled out yesterday.

What is the point of a engine constructor in F1 when you are not proving you're worth. This is a bad day for F1.

To add, Ferrari & Toyota have said they'de leave if this goes through. Now that Ferrari powers A1GP, that isn't a distant possibility.

I agree that it takes away from individual manufacturers, but wouldnt this make for a far better racing series, where its not so much about money and developement and more so about individual drivers? Look at Nascar....albeit a somewhat bad example, but they have specific engine builders/loan companies which definitely makes for better heats between drivers....though im sure with a history like F1 it would upset a few fans

[EJ25RUN]

I agree that it takes away from individual manufacturers, but wouldnt this make for a far better racing series, where its not so much about money and developement and more so about individual drivers? Look at Nascar....albeit a somewhat bad example, but they have specific engine builders/loan companies which definitely makes for better heats between drivers....though im sure with a history like F1 it would upset a few fans

That isn't what F1 is. The sport is very much about different constructor/engine battles as much as it is about the racing. I for one want a Ferrari powered by a Ferrari. F1 has never been a spec series and that is exactly what Bernie and Max are now trying to turn it into. Many of the teams have admitted they dont have a problem with the money aspect because they work in finding the sponsors. This is a team like Williams and not the power house front runners. F1 should not be a spec series as shouldn't any other primer series in the world.

For a more hardcore example, what if Motogp Honda's and Yamaha's had to use the same engine? That would be like cutting the entire reason they are in the sport. F1 at the end of the day is not just about the racing but the drive in building a better car and engine and have the best driver put it on top. As far as i'm concerned, racing in 2008 was fine compared to the Schumacher era.

[Sport1.3]

That isn't what F1 is. The sport is very much about different constructor/engine battles as much as it is about the racing. I for one want a Ferrari powered by a Ferrari. F1 has never been a spec series and that is exactly what Bernie and Max are now trying to turn it into. Many of the teams have admitted they dont have a problem with the money aspect because they work in finding the sponsors. This is a team like Williams and not the power house front runners. F1 should not be a spec series as shouldn't any other primer series in the world.

For a more hardcore example, what if Motogp Honda's and Yamaha's had to use the same engine? That would be like cutting the entire reason they are in the sport. F1 at the end of the day is not just about the racing but the drive in building a better car and engine and have the best driver put it on top. As far as i'm concerned, racing in 2008 was fine compared to the Schumacher era.

i agree, but racing has become more about fan fair than anything here in the present. Cash is King, if it sells more tickets/merchandise....sadly it will happen. Many ppl fought the same argument in nascar, and now look....its as popular as ever. There is absolutely nothing left from the original aspect of "stock car" racing except the basic roll cage design and standard hub/lugnut set up used in the 60's/70's. There is almost nothing at all that distinguishes the manufacturer except the stickers that designate what brand "its supposed to look like". If you’re lucky, it won’t be a popular decision and will either be denied, or changed in the future. Fortunately for F1, having only the engine put to spec still leaves a large amount of development work done by individual manufactures....i wouldn’t lose all hope just yet

[EJ25RUN]

i agree, but racing has become more about fan fair than anything here in the present. Cash is King, if it sells more tickets/merchandise....sadly it will happen. Many ppl fought the same argument in nascar, and now look....its as popular as ever. There is absolutely nothing left from the original aspect of "stock car" racing except the basic roll cage design and standard hub/lugnut set up used in the 60's/70's. There is almost nothing at all that distinguishes the manufacturer except the stickers that designate what brand "its supposed to look like". If you’re lucky, it won’t be a popular decision and will either be denied, or changed in the future. Fortunately for F1, having only the engine put to spec still leaves a large amount of development work done by individual manufactures....i wouldn’t lose all hope just yet

It is too early to tell.

This is day 2 of a long winter for the sport. I am not confident everyone will want to stay for the first race of 2009 and even less will be there for 2010.

[Sport1.3]

It is too early to tell.

This is day 2 of a long winter for the sport. I am not confident everyone will want to stay for the first race of 2009 and even less will be there for 2010.

All you can do as a fan is not support the change. F1 has been slowly losing ground with its world wide popularity.....the short lived US grand prix and the end of the Canadian grand prix lost quite a bit of bewildered fans.....not that it means much for the sport world wide, but imho its been well over due for an image change....it needs something more worthwhile to gain an audience of a newer generation. If FIA can make F1 more popular with the "Nintendo Generation" and persuade more fans to stop watching things like UFC and other related MMA events....and instead get back into the heart and soul of an advanced technological sport like F!, then they have done their job

[Mike Lowrey]

This is very bad for F1.

You may save some money in the engines but for the larger teams, it mearly shifts money to be spent on aero. It also pisses off the teams listed by EJ above, as they would have no reason to be in the sport.

Here is to Bernie and Max DIAF!

[EJ25RUN]

Just to clarify for everyone. All this means is that Cosworth has won the right to be the exclusive company the FIA will deal with for a spec engine future. That means the FIA hasn't given the go ahead for the spec engine future just yet.

As i have put in the op, this could still means that the teams could be allowed to build a motor to Cosworth specs or keep the Frozen V8s (which aren't really frozen as Renault has proved)

[Elbow]

Wow....bad F1....

[BKgen®]

Talk of standardised engines, GPs dropping like flies, some teams doing the same....

It pains me to say it, but I feel like this could be the beginning of the end for F1...

[Elbow]

It won't be the end, look at racing history, you always have times where it's dead, fails, then someone picks it back up higher.

[EJ25RUN]

It won't be the end, look at racing history, you always have times where it's dead, fails, then someone picks it back up higher.

So where is my Worlds Sportscar Championship?

[Elbow]

ALMS, FIA sportscar series, ELMS, etc.

[EJ25RUN]

ALMS, FIA sportscar series, ELMS, etc.

Everything ALMS or ELMS is run by the ACO in France. The one thing the FIA has done is the GT Championship but there is no WSCC.

Remember 1953-1992.

[Elbow]

I know, i'm saying that's gone other series pop up.

[EJ25RUN]

I know, i'm saying that's gone other series pop up.

So your hinting at an F1 replacement?

[Elbow]

No def. not. F1 has failed before, and the series has been dull, but brought back to life. The other stuff I was just giving examples on racing series falling and being broughten back in different ways even if it's not related at all.

[matthewAPM]

Formula 1...you will be missed

[SampaGuy]

F1 has been slowly losing ground with its world wide popularity.....the short lived US grand prix and the end of the Canadian grand prix lost quite a bit of bewildered fans.....not that it means much for the sport world wide, but imho its been well over due for an image change....it needs something more worthwhile to gain an audience of a newer generation. If FIA can make F1 more popular with the "Nintendo Generation" and persuade more fans to stop watching things like UFC and other related MMA events....and instead get back into the heart and soul of an advanced technological sport like F!, then they have done their job

Slowly losing ground? It began to grow again ever since Schumacher retired and Hamilton began his career. Look at how many exotic countries have their own GP now! 2008 was probably the most exciting season since the Senna/Prost era (and no im not just saying that because Massa is from Brazil). And even without a North American GP, 2009 will still be the most globalized F1 season in history.

The FIA for the most part knows what they are doing! Honda is gone. Now lets say RedBull also pulls out of F1 because of money, leaving a field of 14 cars = no more F1. Reduction of costs is in everyones interest.

[SampaGuy]

It won't be the end, look at racing history, you always have times where it's dead, fails, then someone picks it back up higher.

I think as long as SCCA doesnt take over F1 we will be ok

[Elbow]

I don't think that will ever happen lol.

But what's wrong with the SCCA?

[SampaGuy]

I don't think that will ever happen lol.

But what's wrong with the SCCA?

After decades of succesful racing, they took over internationally prestigious Can-Am and drove it to the ground. Oh and Trans-am too, not too long ago. They are great for the grassroots guy but they need to stay away from pro racing.

[EJ25RUN]

After decades of succesful racing, they took over internationally prestigious Can-Am and drove it to the ground. Oh and Trans-am too, not too long ago. They are great for the grassroots guy but they need to stay away from pro racing.

Yes. That is so correct.

[NAIZBST]

Also, to EJ25run for consistantly keeping me updated in the FIA sanctioned racing world.... good work sir