Cosworth fires up hybrid engine

Cosworth's American racing programme director, Bruce Wood, was happy with the results when the 3.5-litre normally aspirated XF hybrid engine ran for the first time on May 17.

"I have been fortunate enough to see many new engines fire up for the first time at Cosworth and I can honestly say this was the biggest non-event I have ever witnessed!" quipped Wood. "Just like it should be. It fired up at the first touch of the button and immediately settled into a comfortable idle."

The successful test run of the hybrid engine has enabled Cosworth to move forward the projected run date for the all-new XG to October 4.

"This gives us four months to do the bulk our performance development on the hybrid, and will allow us to launch straight into durability testing when the real engine arrives," added Wood.

Cosworth's commercial director, Bernard Ferguson, is confident that a number of teams will adopt the engine next season.

"We have been actively working on signing teams prior to the Monterrey race and are pleased to confirm that we have interest from a number of the more competitive outfits," he said. "The sign-off of this programme further emphasises Ford's continuing commitment to its worldwide racing programmes."