Toyota plays down engine talks

As reported by Autosport.com earlier this week, it is thought that Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz is still serious about buying the team but is not interested without a strong works-supported engine deal. The stumbling block with Ford is said to have been the lack of proper investment into the Cosworth engine programme, but a Toyota V10 would presumably be an attractive proposition to the energy drinks magnate.

"As far as I know there has not been serious talks and it is getting very late," said the source. "Normally, to gear up for a well-supported engine supply arrangement, given all the work that has to be done surrounding such things as the design installation and electronics, you would be wanting to push the 'go' button in February of the previous year."

Any change in supplier at this stage would also involve considerable work and expense on the chassis side and it is debatable whether there is sufficient time.

"I'm not saying it would be totally impossible," said the Toyota source, "Just that I don't think there has been any serious proposal put to Mr Tomita or John Howett."