The return of Cosworth as an engine supplier looks set to be one of the key features of a reinvigorated FIA Formula One World Championship in 2010, with four new teams driving the number of entries up to 13 and giving the sport a full 26 car grid for the first time since 1995.

Cosworth’s provision of engineering services to AT&T Williams, Campos META, Lotus F1, USF1 and Virgin Racing extends beyond the supply of engines to include transient dyno testing for drivetrain systems and the supply of complete electronics solutions.

Three years since Cosworth last supplied engines to Formula One teams the company has been at the centre of a radical reform of the sport which has attracted new, entrepreneurially run teams operating to a much lower cost base. The Cosworth-powered entries of Campos META, USF1 and Virgin Racing (nee Manor GP) were accepted by the FIA in June, Lotus F1 being invited to join in September following the withdrawal of Toyota. September also marked the agreement between Williams and Cosworth, recreating a championship-winning partnership dating back to 1977.

All five Cosworth-powered teams provide noteworthy partnerships for the company. Campos META has already signed Brazilian Bruno Senna, nephew of the late Ayrton Senna whose victory in the 1993 European Grand Prix at Donington Park in a McLaren Cosworth is widely regarded as the most impressive of his career. Lotus has a long and successful history with Cosworth, Jim Clark bringing Cosworth’s iconic DFV engine its debut win in the 1967 Dutch Grand Prix, while USF1 marks a fascinating opportunity for Cosworth to play a role in developing new interest in Formula One in the world’s largest market. The announcement of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Racing organisation creates an opportunity for Cosworth to work with one of the most well known consumer brands in the world, while the renewed technical partnership with Williams will target race victories from the outset.

Cosworth’s ‘CA’ Engine

Under the 8-engines per driver ruling Cosworth will provide a minimum of 80 race engines during 2010, the 2.4 litre V8 engine based on the CA2006 unit but heavily revised in line with the increased mileage requirement of three race weekends, an 18,000rpm limit and improved fuel consumption made necessary as a result of the refuelling ban.

“It is a demanding project but one which demonstrates that racing remains firmly within Cosworth’s DNA at a time when the company has successfully expanded into so many other areas of business,” says Mark Gallagher, General Manager of the F1 Business Unit. “All our agreements are for three years and aside from the additional profitability it will bring the business, the new employment opportunities have meant Cosworth baulking the trend in these difficult economic times. It is significant that the dramatic changes within Formula One caused by the issues faced by the car manufacturers have opened new doors for Cosworth, and we are relishing the challenge.”