Lotus confirms contract termination with Cosworth
After weeks of heavy speculation and the acknowledgment of a new partnership with Renault, Lotus Racing has confirmed an end-of-contract agreement with engine producer Cosworth. The British-based company
was dropped in favour of Renault as main engine supplier, as part of team manager Tony Fernandes’ overhaul to restore the Lotus brand to its golden age glory.
Though the partnership between Renault and Lotus was virtually set in stone earlier this month, Cosworth came out with an official statement on Friday, declaring that, “The decision to bring the partnership
to an early termination has been driven by the team’s desire to solve reliability and performance issues unrelated to the Cosworth engine. Lotus Racing and Cosworth have agreed settlement terms satisfactory to both parties to secure an early termination of
the agreement.” The contract, originally set for 3 years, will officially cease on November 30.
This will allow Lotus to finalize its interest in Renault, who they entered into negotiations with earlier this year. Though initially looking for a supplier of gearboxes and transmissions due to continual
failure with Jarno Trulli’s car, interest sparked when Renault opened up the possibility of using their engine. Given their growing desire bring about serious changes to the car, the Lotus crew was eager to jump at the opportunity, and made a mutual deal with
Cosworth to wrap up their chapter in F1 history together.
Renault currently supply engines to Red Bull as well as their own team, and has enjoyed a prestigious history in F1 racing as a technical innovator. Just like Cosworth, they have powered up the wheels
of several world champions, and are one of the most reputable names in the industry today.
Despite the break, Cosworth will continue its involvement in F1 for the following year, supplying engines for AT&T Williams, Virgin Racing and HRT, making up one quarter of the racing grid.
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