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F1 News & Discussions => F1 Teams => Topic started by: John S on July 08, 2009, 01:10:02 AM

Title: Red Bull still considering engine switch
Post by: John S on July 08, 2009, 01:10:02 AM

RBR Team eye Mercedes as Renault replacement for 2010

Even at the apparent conclusion of the FIA-FOTA war, it seems Red Bull is still on the market for a new engine supplier for next season.

Earlier this year, the fact that Christian Horner openly mused not signing another customer contract with Renault was believed to be based on speculation that some carmakers may not be on next year's grid.

"Who knows what engine manufacturers are still going to be there in 2010?" the Red Bull boss said in April.

As the FOTA war ended late in June, however, part of the peace agreement was the manufacturers' commitment to F1 at least until the end of 2012.

"So in the past, if somebody was worried, maybe after Honda left or somebody else, not now," Luca di Montezemolo said. 
 
But it seems Red Bull Racing, whose Renault contract runs out this year, is still considering switching to Mercedes power.

Horner told the latest edition of Germany's Auto Bild: "The Mercedes engine is good, but there is no time pressure.

"Brawn demonstrated that it is possible to change engine even at a late stage," the Briton added.

© CAPSIS International

Title: Re: Red Bull still considering engine switch
Post by: Jericoke on July 08, 2009, 01:39:44 AM
Interesting... RBR is having so much luck with the Renault, after staring at the back of Brawn's Mercedes for so long.

McLaren is having marginally more luck than Renault is though, so I guess I'd pick the Mercedes too.
Title: Re: Red Bull still considering engine switch
Post by: lkjohnson1950 on July 08, 2009, 01:54:43 AM
I subscribe to the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" school of thought. As long as they get results with the Renault I'd keep it.

Lonny
Title: Re: Red Bull still considering engine switch
Post by: cosworth151 on July 08, 2009, 12:25:30 PM
As said, they could be worried that Renault will pull a Honda and leave them in a last minute scramble. Having RBR and STR with the same drive train would ease their design process, too.
Title: Re: Red Bull still considering engine switch
Post by: Jericoke on July 08, 2009, 03:17:54 PM
As said, they could be worried that Renault will pull a Honda and leave them in a last minute scramble. Having RBR and STR with the same drive train would ease their design process, too.

STR with Mercedes as well then?  When does the Ferrari contract run out?  Or are you suggesting that RBR go back to Ferrari?

How many teams are an engine supplier required to supply?  I thought it was three.  If Mercedes supplies McLaren, RBR and STR, where does that leave Brawn?  Would the other companies be eager to put their brand on the Brawn?

Further, I don't watch the racing and practise close enough, is there much difference between the rev-limited power plants?  I'd say that the Brawn/McLaren and RBR/Renault comparissons show that the car is far more important than the engine or driver under the current rules.

In which case, I don't see much incentive for engine companies to bother.
Title: Re: Red Bull still considering engine switch
Post by: cosworth151 on July 08, 2009, 03:30:18 PM
Quote
How many teams are an engine supplier required to supply?


Two, except with special dispensation from the FIA. It was given to Ferrari in 2007 so that they could squeeze Cosworth out. It was given again to Merc this season.
Title: Re: Red Bull still considering engine switch
Post by: SennaMan on July 14, 2009, 04:53:49 PM
I subscribe to the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" school of thought. As long as they get results with the Renault I'd keep it.

Lonny

me too Lonny
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