Ilmor looking for 2021 engine partner
Ilmor is looking to return to Formula 1 when new engine regulations are introduced in 2021, but working with a partner instead of racing under their own name.
The company run by engine guru Mario Illien saw success while producing engines for Mercedes during the McLaren era, also producing engines under its own name for Tyrrell, March and Pacific in the early 90’s.
Since a Mercedes buyout in 2005, Illien has been working on the Honda IRL engine, Moto GP and more recently helping Red Bull and Renault improve their underpowered hybrid power unit.
A cheaper and simpler alternative to the current hybrid is favoured for 2021, with new F1’s motorsport director Ross Brawn keen to welcome independent suppliers, which would require a significant reduction in costs. The current favourite being a twin-turbo V6, with the addition of KERS.
Illien has been present in recent meetings with the FIA on development of these new regulations, which have also included representatives from Aston Martin, Zytek, Cosworth and Volkswagen.
Talking to Autosport, Illen said: “Obviously there is a desire to have the possibility for independent manufacturers to come in. That’s one reason I’m in the meetings, to see whether it’s going the right way for an independent.”
While ruling out entering the sport in the Ilmor name, he suggested partnering with either another manufacturer or major sponsor like TAG would be interesting.
“Somebody has to fund the initial development costs. Customers are probably not the right way to go, that doesn’t pay for it. You probably need a manufacturer to support it.
“But if you look at Red Bull they’ve got TAG, so it doesn’t need to be a car manufacturer, it could be anybody.”
A Working Group meeting is scheduled for September to discuss the new regulations further, with a possible announcement at the World Motor Sport Council on September 21.