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Mario Illien has played down suggestions Ilmor might be set to re-enter F1 in 2021. Liberty Media hopes that by simplifying the engine rules, independent players like Ilmor and Cosworth will consider launching projects.
But Ilmor co-founder and chief Illien says that is unlikely. He said of the 2021 plan: "In principle it is the right direction -- the technology must become simpler and cheaper. But for a private manufacturer, we cannot do it without outside help."
"I could not develop a business model like we have in Indycar, because I would have probably only one or two customers. And if one does not pay the bill, I'm dead. Without a sponsor behind me I could not build this engine for formula one," Illien told Auto Motor und Sport. (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I was pretty sure this was the case. Ilmor hasnt ever really participated in F1 with a design that was 100% their's. I could see them combining their efforts with some other party, but other than that an entry isnt likely. This could be the way Aston Martin could get an entry, but the problem is that AM would have to pay up, and their funds arent exactly plentyful either.
Barron
Posts: 625
Ilmor supplies V10 engines to Leyton House (March) and Tyrell in the early ‘90’s and more recently of course, developed the Mercedes V8 F1 engine prior to Mercedes taking over the whole project so Ilmor has very much been part of F1. Prior to that, Mario (and Paul Morgan) were very much involved with the development of the famous Cosworth DFV.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
True, but were the V10s pure Ilmor design? AFIK they were getting plenty of outside help with them. Im aware of the Mercedes-Ilmor engine, but that design wasnt 100% Ilmor: they got funds and support from Merc. Whatever the case is, they are a wellestablished designer of ICEs. It'd be interesting to see how they'd fare in the hybrid era, with or without support from some other company.