Cosworth could be eyeing a return to Formula One, with the support of none other than Bernie Ecclestone.
Although the expensive new engine rules and a lack of customers sent the British company off the grid at the end of last year, Cosworth announced recently it is setting up a new manufacturing center at its Northampton base.
The company confirmed that the facility — which will "deliver the next generation of automotive internal combustion engines" — is bolstered by a British government grant.
And according to Speed Week, there may even be an F1 component to Cosworth's plans.
Buying a turbo V6 from one of just three alternative suppliers — Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault — has rarely been as expensive for struggling customer teams as it is today.
Correspondent Mathias Brunner reports: "I have heard from England that Cosworth is working on a modern power unit for Formula One, and behind the scenes is a certain Bernie Ecclestone.
"The market could certainly do with a not-so-expensive turbo V6," he added.
Brunner said Cosworth did not comment.
