Jun.28 (GMM) Cosworth has played down rumours that Lotus is set to switch to Renault power for the 2011 season.

Recently, the British independent engine maker also played down speculation Williams could change suppliers, insisting the team last year signed a three-year contract.

But Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that, like Williams, Lotus has also been disappointed with Cosworth's 2010 engine, including driveability issues and performance degradation.

"With Lotus, as with all the new teams, we have a three-year contract," Cosworth's business director Mark Gallagher said in Valencia.

He said he has spoken with Lotus team owner Tony Fernandes about the rumours.

"He told me that they were contacted by all three of the engine companies," said Gallagher, referring to Renault, Ferrari and Mercedes.

"That is the reward for being the best of the new teams," he added. "He (Fernandes) told us that for next season, they are planning (to be) with us."

Latest F1 News - Mobile version

26 Feb: New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali 26 Feb: Red Bull still best in 2013 - Tost 26 Feb: 2014 French grand prix 'possible' - Prost 26 Feb: Danica Patrick 'not interested' in F1 switch 26 Feb: Report - Gilles Simon working on F1 engine for Honda 26 Feb: Gutierrez plays down link to Carlos Slim 26 Feb: Caterham exhaust 'legal' insists van der Garde 26 Feb: McLaren replaces Mercedes-bound Lowe 25 Feb: 'Engine maps' trouble for Red Bull, Lotus - report 25 Feb: Mercedes-bound Lowe to miss 2013 opener - report 25 Feb: Mercedes 'in group of teams' behind Red Bull - Lauda 25 Feb: Gutierrez expects Hulkenberg to beat him early in 2013 25 Feb: New Ferrari 'much better' than 2012 - Massa 25 Feb: Teams 'will adapt' to new tyre situation - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Tight rules make today's F1 cars 'the same' - Forghieri 25 Feb: Williams removes controversial exhaust trick 25 Feb: Contract 'conflicts' cause of Marussia test snub - Razia 25 Feb: Lotus to fight Red Bull for title - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Marussia 'ahead of Caterham' - Chilton 25 Feb: Sutil will not stay in F1 as test driver The latest F1 News - Mobile Version