A new engine manufacturer for 2013

The new turbo regulations planned for Formula 1 certainly seem very attractive for new entrants. Indeed, following rumors that firms such as Volkswagen or Honda might become (or become once again) engine suppliers in the premier category of motorsport, a new project called PURE was announced this morning by Craig Pollock.

The PURE entity (Universal Propulsion and Energy Recovery) was initiated by Pollock himself. It will be based in Switzerland for its headquarters and in France for its design center. The Scotsman explains that the concept and its development are already in place and that we are now ready to meet the teams. This initial meeting is set to take place during the Spanish Grand Prix.

Craig Pollock, known in the F1 world for having been the manager of the 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve as well as the initiator of the former BAR team, explained the arrival of this new project in a statement: « PURE’s positioning is to become a leading figure in the development of the next generation of engines combining technologies that meet the requirements of a better environment. The regulatory changes in F1 in 2013 offer PURE a platform to design, test, and validate its technology for implementation in other industries. »

The statement also confirms a significant partnership with Mecachrome for the production of these new 1.6L turbo 4-cylinder engines: « Mecachrome will handle everything, from manufacturing to constructing the engines. » This company is, however, one of the historical partners of the engine manufacturer Renault Sport F1 in Viry-Chatillon, even being its main subcontractor.

Regarding the size of the project, Craig Pollock stated: « We are a very compact team, which means our costs are lower, and we should be able to pass on this cost reduction to the teams and offer them an engine with good value for money ». It is thus possible to imagine that this project aligns with the same philosophy as the current “low cost” engine supplier in F1, the British company Cosworth.

Finally, the project seems to have the support of the FIA, the governing body of F1. Its President, Jean Todt, has reportedly even expressed being delighted to welcome PURE in Formula 1, even wishing all the success to PURE in developing its engines according to the new FIA rules.

It remains to be confirmed over time the viability of this project so as to be sure of the presence of this new engine manufacturer from 2013.