“Following speculation that appeared this morning in the Italian press, the ING Renault F1 Team would like to state that the positions of the Team and Renault are in complete accordance to those of the FOTA. We would like to point out that neither Mr. Briatore nor Renault have spoken to the press regarding this matter before this official press release,” read the full Renault statement.
FIA president Max Mosley revealed earlier this month that he has reached an agreement with British engine supplier Cosworth for a standard power train that is to be implemented starting 2010. The engine and gearbox are to cost around £6 million should at least 4 teams sign up for purchase by December the 11th. The pricing will go down as more teams sign up for the complete power train.
Many expected the independent teams to be the first to apply for the new standard unit, but rumors appeared in the Italian media that Briatore is also considering the offer. The F1 manufacturers will have to use the standard XT transmission but they are not obliged to purchase the Cosworth unit, should they develop their own engine in-house (on the condition it will have the same level of performances).
Such allegations started to appear following Briatore's comments after the season finale in Brazil, when the Italian admitted that 'I think we are in a very difficult position economically, what is going on around the globe and it's a panic at the moment. Whatever proposal we put together, we need to take into consideration this as well,' therefore leaving the door open to interpretation.
Max Mosley is due to meet with the FOTA (Formula One Teams Association) representatives later today to further discuss cost cutting measures within the sport. Also, the teams are due to make a decision on using the Cosworth unit by tomorrow.
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