The PURE project could be ready as early as 2013
The project leader of PURE revealed in the British press that the engine development was well advanced and that an engine could even be fitted to an F1 car in 2013 if needed.
Craig Pollock, the head of engine manufacturer PURE, stated that the development of the engine is proceeding according to the planned schedule. PURE is developing a 1.6L V6 Turbo engine, which will come into effect in F1 starting from the 2014 season, but Pollock believes that PURE could be ready to install a unit in a Formula 1 car if the regulations were to change.
« We could be ready to run as early as 2013. But the regulations foresee something else. The engine is advanced enough now, and we know that if we had to, if the sport required us to do it, we could install it in a single-seater for the 2013 season, » Craig Pollock told Autosport.
Rumors appeared in the British press several weeks ago about a possible partnership with McLaren, rumors denied by the British team. Pollock stated that for the moment PURE does not yet have a partnership with any F1 teams but that it doesn’t worry him because he believes he has time – the priority will be the smooth running of tests starting in July.
«We have not yet openly thought about it for the moment. We will have 18 months after the month of July if you want to think of it that way. And since we will be conducting tests in July with the complete engines, not just a single-cylinder, but with the final engine, we will have a bit of time. »
Craig Pollock also believes that PURE will have its place in F1 because, according to the regulations, a manufacturer can only power three F1 teams, while Renault powers 4 in 2012. He believes that PURE will face three competitors – Ferrari, Mercedes, and Renault, not even mentioning Cosworth – and that there will be opportunities.
« But the way sport is structured today, you have three engine manufacturers: Mercedes, Ferrari, and Renault (and Cosworth as well). In the regulations, it is clear that unless under exceptional circumstances, each manufacturer can only supply engines to their own team and two other teams, so there’s a maximum of 3 for Ferrari, 3 for Mercedes, and 3 for Renault, » added Pollock.
