Ford offers spec turbo engine for 2003

The Blue Oval has said it will cost too much money to develop an all-new 3.5-litre, normally aspirated engine - the formula which CART has announced it will adopt in 2003 - but would favour supplying a version of its current 2.65-litre turbo XF powerplant to all teams instead if required.

Ford Racing's technology director Dan Davis said that Ford, along with Cosworth, is open to providing a 'spec' engine for CART in time for the 2003 season. Although initially rejected in the October 4th meetings, the offer from Ford and Cosworth still stands.

"We understand how difficult it is to come to an agreement that will satisfy everyone," said Davis. "We also believe that competition, in combination with non-restrictive rules, has escalated the cost of CART engines to a level that is not sustainable in the long run. At this point, rules alone will not reduce spending, and only the removal of competition will substantially reduce costs."

"We are ready and willing to work with CART to make this programme happen," added Davis. "We are ready and able to produce engines to supply the entire CART field under this scenario, do it at a reduced cost to the teams, and in a way, in our opinion, that will actually improve competition throughout the field."