Craig Scarborough‏@ScarbsF147mZytek hints at 2014 F1 power unit | Racecar Engineering http://www.racecar-engineering.com/news/zytek-hints-at-2014-f1-power-unit/#.UUmgIBCI9qc.twitter English engineering company Zytek has hinted that it may build a 2014 Formula 1 power unit. The company stated on its twitter microblog that its “development focus is now on Hybrid Systems for 2014 Regulations (F1 & WEC) but cant say too much about that at this stage. Maybe we will do a whole power unit ourselves. Certainly we have all the elements needed for it in our skills/experience plus the regs reset gives newcomers a chance. It is certainly a big job and needs serious money to turn the basic engineering concept into a competitve package.” Zytek was instrumental in the development of the KERS used by Mercedes HPE in 2009, it also supplies engines to Auto GP, LMP1, LMP2 and World Series by Renault. Renault, Mercedes and Ferrari have all committed to running new power units in 2014 whilst Honda has run a prototype engine on the test bench and Cosworth has designed a power unit. Zytek is one of only a few firms in the world with all of the expertise in house required for the development of a 2014 power unit. Zytek later clarified its stance and played down its project: “As an R&D lead company at the cutting edge of motorsport, we have ongoing development projects into the various technology aspects required for future regulations in FormulaE, WEC & F1. We have both the skills & experience to supply competitive Hybrid IC engines or EV powertrains to any of these series. However, to be totally clear, we have no confirmed or immediate plans to enter F1 as a power unit supplier in our own right.”
I guess it's time we seriously considered the "green" issues regarding energy usage, I've given it scant regard for some time but it probably merits some serious development and where better than F1. My son work's on the Nissan Leaf development but it seems a bit of an expensive weak token effort in my opinion, a green powerplant developed with some guts and sustainable output is required, who wants to piss about recharging a battery after 50 miles at 30 mph.
Honda have announced they will indeed return as Mclaren's engine supplier in 2015. Anyone else getting shades of Williams and Supertec?
Honda's engine is well progressed apparently and there's talk of maybe Marussia getting a interim engine under the mugen name in 2014. Makes sense to honda and Mclaren to have a secondary team with the same engine.
If this means they'll ditch the rather tacky chrome and go back to the red/white livery I will be so happy.
Kamui comeback? "Honda will need to supply a second team on their return to the sport and the word in the paddock at the Spanish Grand Prix was that Sauber is top of the list." From here: http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2013/05/honda-in-2015-f1-return-as-mclaren-engine-supplier/
Nope as Malboro won't sponsor them and McLaren being the corporate animal would not wish to give exposure to an ex-partner for nothing. I would still think the chrome would be ditched as the Mercedes link would have finished. Maybe go back to their original orange, which they have also used as the colours of test cars not too long ago?
Lotus have proved it's possible DON'T SHOOT DOWN ALL MY DREAMS Stop it, that's just not fair to get me excited
This looks miles better please log in to view this image Replace the Vodafone red with some historic McLaren Orange and it'll look even better!
It will be nice to see McLaren Honda back on the grid and I'm sure they'll make a strong pairing. I wouldn't expect the dominance of the late 80's to return though. Too many things have changed since those days. As for livery, skip the red/white and go Orange. The JPS colors of lotus are daft, they should be in British Racing Green.
According to the BBC, Hyundai and Ford have also been rumouredly linked to supplying engines with the new regulations. Can't see it happening though, but it is great to have Honda back.
