Ferrari is apparently running out of F1 teams to supply with engines, so it's looking to other racing series altogether for new customers. For the current season, the Maranello-based team had to have the rules bent so that they could supply their engines to not one but two additional teams on the grid (Spyker and Toro Rosso). No wonder then that half of the cars that finished in the points at this past weekend's penultimate Chinese Grand Prix were powered by Ferrari.
Like other single-seater racing series, A1GP, the self-described "world cup of motorsport", uses the same chassis and engines for all the teams. Lola and Zytek have been supplying the cars and power respectively, but with contracts up for renewal, rumors started to fly when Ferrari's sporting director Stefano Domenicali was seen at Silverstone during an A1GP test session. Ferrari has now confirmed that they're in negotiations with the series' organizers.
Rumor has it that the engine deal isn't the only thing A1GP chief Tony Teixeira is discussing with Ferrari, as insiders tip the South African businessman as a potential partner in Scuderia Toro Rosso, which would effectively become Ferrari's B-squad in the developing "super team" saga.
[Sources: F1i.com and autosport]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
B2speeder @ Oct 8th 2007 8:54PM
"No wonder then that half of the cars that finished in the points at this past weekend's penultimate Chinese Grand Prix were powered by Ferrari."
Noah, the reality is the engine in Formula One contributes very little to the ultimate performance of the car. The reason you had both the Toro Rosso's in the points, which by the way was a first for the team in either STR guise or the former Minardi team, was largely due to the weather and the talent at the wheel.
It appears that possibly the (4) RedBull cars have made a significant step forward in performance, and reliability, but we cannot confirm this until we see them in dry conditions. I suspect that they have indeed, made a step. And it makes me wonder if it has anything to do with Geoff Willis's arrival?
Carlos @ Oct 8th 2007 9:41PM
Ferrari should make a deal with me and sponser my SAE Formula team and give me a 600cc Ferrari engine.
SuperSkyline89 @ Oct 8th 2007 11:52PM
A university SAE team? If yes, which one?
Zach @ Oct 9th 2007 4:42AM
I'm curious too which one,
I'm very tempted to join the University of Texas one but I'm waiting until next year
Carlos @ Oct 9th 2007 10:16AM
Yes sir, I'm going to be doing a first year car for Florida Tech.