REPORT: USF1 team could bring Cosworth back to the grid
Remember when F1 teams were independent racing outfits, before the major automakers starting buying them all up? Well, if the Honda/Brawn GP saga and the tightening of budgets at carmaker headquarters around the world are anything to go by, the Formula One world could be back at that stage sooner than you might think. But the next team to bridge that divide will be the nascent USF1 team that's scheduled to join the grid next year. Going the independent route, USF1 is reportedly seriously considering forgoing an engine deal with any of the major manufacturers (Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, Renault, Ferrari) currently in the sport in favor of a partnership with Cosworth.
The British engineering firm was once a mainstay on F1 grids, powering teams in every season from 1963 through 2006, when Williams switched to Toyota customer engines, leaving Cosworth with no partner teams. However FIA president Max Mosley recently pitched a proposal for Cosworth to provide a sanctioned, low-cost engine package for independent teams. None of the teams adopted the idea at the time, but USF1 could find it more attractive in keeping with its independent profile, especially since Cosworth was bought by American racing organizers Gerald Forsythe and Kevin Kalkhoven of Indy racing fame.
As for the name, the team is currently known alternately as USGPE (United States Grand Prix Engineering) or Team USF1 because the F1 name is owned by Bernie Ecclestone and company. For its part, the team says that its official name will be revealed as the next season approaches.
[Sources: Autosport]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John P. 4:14PM (4/16/2009)
Oh I hope so. I find F1 slightly lacking without a cossie somewhere on the grid. Such a legendary company.
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Temple 2:22AM (4/17/2009)
Cosworth's are suppose to be the FIA 'standard' engine, one way or the other we should see Cosworth engines on the grid.
tjon 4:35PM (4/16/2009)
I thought they wanted to be "All American"?
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f1fan 4:42PM (4/16/2009)
That's what I thought. Even if Cosworth is now owned by Americans, it is very much a British company. I'd love to see this USF1 effort succeed, but I'm not holding my breath.
HotRodzNKustoms 5:18PM (4/16/2009)
Cosworth traditionally does work on Fords.
Kitko 5:30PM (4/16/2009)
That was my first thought, it was supposed to be an all-American team. But with IndyCar using an Italian/British chassis and a Japanese engine, I don't see a problem in Cosworth's nationality, after all, the steering wheel in a Malibu is the same is in my Mazda3 and it's impossible to built a "national car" let alone national F1 team.
The more important thing is that one has to go way back to remember the last time when Cosworth engines enjoyed what can be called a successful campaign in F1.
Jsams4131 8:41PM (4/16/2009)
@kitko ..
I understand that USF1 also seeks a US driver but i hope that doesn't take precedent over having an overall competitive program. if it means perhaps hiring a british driver or anyone currently in F1 or GP2 I don't see a problem with mixing and matching.
hyundaifans.com 11:35PM (4/16/2009)
If this team ever gets off the ground, it will be a pleasant surprise.
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