Caterham link hints at Renault switch for HRT

Cosworth could be left with just a single formula one customer next year, if the latest rumblings from the rumour mill turn out to be true.

It was reported at the end of last month that HRT, the struggling Spanish team, is set to begin working with a Cologne company co-owned by Tony Fernandes and Mike Gascoyne.

Fernandes and Gascoyne, best known for heading the Team Lotus/Caterham team, reportedly now also own “the design office of the former Toyota team”, according to the BBC in November.

Then, on the provisional 2012 entry list published recently by the FIA, HRT’s engine supplier was listed as ‘TBA’ (to be announced).

In 2010 and 2011, HRT was powered by Cosworth’s 2.4 litre V8 engine, while Caterham switched to Renault after last season.

Germany’s Speed Week has therefore connected the dots and – given HRT’s new link with Caterham – speculates that a switch to Renault could be on the cards.

This season, Virgin and Williams were also powered by Cosworth, but the latter British team is switching to Renault for 2012.

For next year, Renault Sport is already due to supply engines to Red Bull, Lotus, Caterham and Williams.

“Four teams, that’s fine,” the French carmaker’s chief operating officer said last month.  “Five?  Why not?”

© RIF | GMM