By Deutsche Presse-Agentur
Red Bull on Friday said it would continue to use a Renault engine in the 2016 Formula One season but that it would be rebranded after a sponsor while its sister team Toro Rosso switch to Ferrari power units.
“The new partnership, which represents a shift away from F1’s conventional supply systems, will see TAG Heuer take up naming rights of the team’s power unit, which will be supplied by Renault,” Red Bull said in a statement.
The announcement ends months of speculation over Red Bull’s future in the sport. The Austrian team withdrew from its previous deal with Renault earlier in the season but could not source an engine for next year from either world champions Mercedes or Ferrari.
Renault on Thursday said it would return to Formula One as a works team in 2016 by taking over Lotus.
Red Bull motorsport chief Helmut Marko said the deal with the TAG Heuer watch brand would initially be for one year.
“We’re hoping again for an alternative engine from 2017 – or Renault develop so well in 2016 that we can push for an extension,” Marko told Speedweek.
Marco also said that despite the delay in confirming Red Bull’s engine for 2016, the team would be in Barcelona to part in the first pre-season test on February 22.
Red Bull’s feeder team Toro Rosso confirmed Friday it would use a Ferrari 2015 engine next season, ending a two-year cooperation with Renault. The team had previously been supplied by Ferrari 2007-2013.
“It’s great to be working with Ferrari again,” team principal Franz Tost said. “We had a fruitful relationship in the past and I’m sure it won’t take long for us all to be working together very well again.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.