Red Bull Engine Decision Next Month

Although Red Bull have been strongly linked with concluding a deal with Honda, it now appears that a contract will depend on exactly what kind of partnership the Japanese car manufacturer are able to offer.

Mateschitz claims that a Honda deal will be a formality if they are interested in forging a close technical relationship, but that if the carmaker only wants to supply customer engines then he may prefer to look elsewhere.

"There are still the three or four possibilities," said Mateschitz in an interview with Motorsport Aktuell. "It would be the easiest thing to only get an engine.

"From that perspective, we could get pretty much every motor there is. But we aim for more: we want a true partnership, a co-operation. The decision will be taken in April."

A Honda partnership clearly remains the current preferred choice for Mateschitz, but the Austrian is adamant that it will not be at the expense of forging a technical partnership elsewhere.

"Honda as a company proves an incredible amount of commitment, that suits us fine," explained Mateschitz.  "There are many more synergies other than Formula One too - MotoGP to start with and many other sectors.

"The question of Honda is, do they want to collaborate with us as customer or partner? If a partnership would be possible, we would tend towards Honda. If they would expect us to be mere customers, then I can only say that there are many mothers having beautiful daughters."

Speaking about his other engine options, Mateschitz suggested that Ferrari, BMW, Toyota and Cosworth were all being considered.

"Ferrari for sure," he said. "Regarding BMW, much will depend on how negotiations with Sauber go on.  Regarding Toyota I am not sure about the cooperation with Jordan.

"And you should not disregard the possibility of Cosworth. Cosworth, very much like Jaguar, are no longer what they were. Kevin Kalkhoven as the new boss has blown some fresh air into the company. They have a young German designer (Alex Hitzinger) who is great. Going on with Cosworth would give the biggest level of independence."

Cosworth's form this season has been as big a surprise as that of Red Bull Racing. The engine is believed to be currently producing more than 900bhp, with more power to come later this season.