Red Bull to use Ferrari engines
23/04/2005 - 12:32:34Red Bull Racing will compete with Ferrari engines next season, it was announced today.
Red Bull are racing with Cosworth power this season as a result of their previous life as Jaguar, but that arrangement will end at the end of the year.
They were discussing a switch to Honda but have concluded a deal to receive Ferrari power plants for 2006 and 2007.
Ferrari managing director Jean Todt said: “We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Red Bull Racing to supply them with our Formula One engines.
“The determination, motivation and enthusiasm of the people at Red Bull Racing were key factors in us taking this decision.
“This collaboration fits the fact that, since 1991 with a break from 1993 to 1996, Ferrari has supplied its Formula One engines to other teams.”
Today’s news almost certainly brings to an end Sauber’s relationship with Ferrari.
The Swiss team have used rebadged Ferrari engines since 1997 but now look certain to be looking for a new supplier.
In signing a deal with Red Bull, Ferrari have also taken a potentially crucial political step in the battle for the future of Formula One.
The world champions are currently standing alone in their desire to remain with Bernie Ecclestone – in the face of fierce opposition from the other nine teams.
But Red Bull boss Christian Horner recently defied the so-called ‘group of nine’ to attend a meeting with FIA president Max Mosley and Ferrari. Ferrari will now hope to convert Horner and Red Bull to their cause.
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