Arrows confirms Cosworth supply for 2002.

The OrangeArrows team has confirmed speculation that its cars will be powered by Cosworth V10 engines in 2002.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at Hockenheim Circuit on the eve of the 2001 German Grand Prix.

"We're delighted to have forged a partnership with the Premier Performance Division and its core companies, namely, Cosworth Racing and Pi Group", said OrangeArrows team principal, Tom Walkinshaw.

"If you want to compete at the top level of Formula One these days it is essential to have a deal with a manufacturer as, even with the best aerodynamics and engineering in the world, you cannot compete against the top teams if you are down on power. The Cosworth V10 is superbly engineered and has proven its credentials so we are looking forward to racing the new OrangeArrows A23 in 2002 with renewed relish."

The lightweight Cosworth V10, will be the same specification as the engines run by Jaguar Racing. A mock-up of the current engine is to be delivered to the OrangeArrows HQ at Leafield next week to be fitted to the mock-up of the new OrangeArrows car for 2002 - the A23.

The CR-3 engines supplied to Arrows will be designed, developed and manufactured at Cosworth Racing's facility in Northampton, together with the electronics from Pi Research. The CR-3, introduced this season, represents a new platform from which to push e
ver further on peak power development. So far this season, a Series 2 and a Series 3 power upgrade has been introduced in the Jaguar Racing R2 car, as well as an increase in peak engine revs.

The arrangement will allow Cosworth to compare the performance of its latest generation engine across two cars, having supplied the Jaguar team for its first two seasons in Formula One

"This deal with OrangeArrows is the first real product of what the Premier Performance Division is all about," commented Niki Lauda, CEO of Premier Performance Division, "In addition to Jaguar Racing, my responsibilities with the Premier Performance Division involve putting in place the building blocks to enable Cosworth Racing and Pi Group to realise their full potential and to work together to best effect.

"Some people might question whether we should be supplying engines to another team until Jaguar Racing starts winning races, but you mustn't forget the fact that Cosworth Racing does nothing else but racing - that is its sole business - unlike other engine manufacturers in Formula One who have not always specialised in the art of engineering F1 engines. This goes quite some way to explaining why these companies are reluctant to supply more than one team.

"In this case, I firmly believe that it's a way to move forward at a greater pace. In 1993, for example, Cosworth Racing supplied both Benetton and McLaren, and I believe that the performance level of both the engine and the teams improved dramatically, culminating in Benetton winning the 1994 Formula One World Championship."

The decision to link up with Cosworth is a continuation of the ongoing evolution of the Leafield team. Since 1996, when Tom Walkinshaw bought into Arrows, the team has been steadily consolidating its position. Walkinshaw took full control of the company in 1999 and, since then, has continued to build Arrows into the strong team it is today. The new millennium was a turning point for the team with title sponsorship from Orange and strengthening of the technical and marketing teams.

This year has already seen the purchase of the DERA wind tunnel in Bedford, the signing of highly regarded aerodynamicist Nicolo Petrucci, the re-signing of Jos Verstappen and a 30 per cent increase in personnel. The new partnership with the Premier Performance Division is further indication of the team's intention to compete at the front in Formula One.

Cosworth engines are used in all major race and rally categories worldwide. With experience panning over four decades, Cosworth Racing has established an enviable reputation for the design and precision engineering of high-performance race, rally and road car winning engines. Committed to the cause of engineering excellence, its innovation in the design of engine technology has revolutionised modern powerplant engineering. The continuous quest for engineering ultimates has seen Cosworth keep its place at the forefront of research, development and production.

For Pi Research, it is the first time they have supplied a complete car electronic package to another F1 team other than Jaguar Racing. In addition, OrangeArrows will be running the same 2002 specification Pi-VCS (Vehicle Control System) as Jaguar Racing.
Pi-VCS integrates engine, clutch, gearbox, and differential controls as well as comprehensive monitoring and telemetry systems. OrangeArrows are long standing customers of Pi Research and are already running Pi controls and data logging. From 2002, OrangeArrows will join Jaguar Racing and the BMW WilliamsF1 Team in running the sophisticated 'Pi Digital Broadcast' radio telemetry system.

Cosworth CR-3 engine specification

Designation: Cosworth CR-3Number of cylinders: 10Vee angle: 72 degreesNumber of valves: 40Capacity: 2998ccPower output: not disclosedMaximum engine speed: 18000rpmConstruction: Cast aluminium alloy block and heads, forged aluminium pistons, steel crankshaft construction Engine management: Pi ResearchLubrication system: Dry sumpIgnition system: Cosworth RacingSpark plugs: ChampionWeight: 97kg (including ballast)Dimensions: length: 569mm; width: 490mm; height (incl. airbox): 490mm