Cosworth will build engine to new rules

Ford had been very critical of CART's decision to follow the Indy Racing League's low-tech formula, as they don't leave enough scope for technical innovation. Cosworth, however, will build one of the new generation motors, which could be badged as another brand in the Ford family.

"We're working on a 3.5-litre normally aspirated engine," said Cosworth's Ian Bisco. "Bruce [Wood] has been flat out on the design work and we should start making prototype parts in about a month. We're talking to other members of the Premier Performance Group and we have Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar and Volvo. All of them are trying to project more of a sporty image and we believe CART's demographics are exactly right for them.

"If we can pull it all together, we'll be able to supply six to eight cars," Bisco added. "We've got good credibility with the teams and we think we provide them an excellent option."

This means that CART looks likely to retain all of its engine manufacturers for 2003, despite appearing to be in crisis over engine supply just a few months ago.