Arrows bags Jag-spec Cosworths for '02

Walkinshaw and Niki Lauda, the CEO of Premier Performance Division, which includes Jaguar Racing, Cosworth Racing and Pi Research, announced the deal at Hockenheim today (Saturday).

In an arrangement which commences in 2002, Arrows has secured the same spec CR-3 engines as Jaguar, plus the same Pi Research-manufactured Pi-VCS electronic package used by Jaguar. The latter system integrates engine, clutch, gearbox and differential controls - including launch control and traction control - plus on-car telemetry as a single package.

Speculation persists that the units may be re-badged as Red Bull V10s, in deference to the Austrian-based energy drink manufacturer, which is an Arrows team sponsor.

"We're delighted to have forged a partnership with the Premier Performance Division," said Walkinshaw. "If you want to compete at the top level of Formula 1 these days, it is essential to have a deal with a manufacturer as, even with the best aerodynamics and engineering in the world, you cannot compete against the top teams if you are down on power.

"The Cosworth V10 is superbly engineered and has proven its credentials," he added, "so we are looking forward to racing the new Orange Arrows A23 in 2002 with renewed relish."

The deal is something of a breakthrough for Walkinshaw. Previously, recent deals involving customer supplies of Cosworth's V10s have stipulated clauses where the works team (namely Stewart Grand Prix in the pre-Jaguar Racing era) has received engines one or more development phases ahead of the customer units. In Arrows' case, its engines will be identical to Jaguar's.

"In addition to Jaguar Racing, my responsibilities with the Premier Performance Division involve putting in place the building blocks to enable Cosworth Racing and Pi Research to realise their full potential and to work together to best effect," explained Lauda.

"Some people might question whether we should be supplying engines to other teams until Jaguar Racing starts winning races, but you mustn't forget the fact that Cosworth Racing do nothing else but racing - that is their sole business. In this case, I firmly believe that it's a way to move forward at a greater pace."

Lauda cited 1993 as an example of accelerated development. Then, Cosworth supplied Ford V8s to Benetton and McLaren, with Benetton going on to win the world championship in 1994.

Arrows' deal leaves its current engine supplier Asiatech looking for a customer with which to race and develop its Peugeot-based units in 2002. Two possible options are Prost Grand Prix, should it be unable to renew its deal for Ferrari customer V10s, or Minardi, which is looking for a more potent replacement for its three-year old Cosworth-based V10s.