Minardi confirms Cosworth extension.

The Cosworth name will remain in Formula One next season, despite having lost Red Bull Racing to Ferrari.

Following Red Bull decision to go with Scuderia power in 2006, Minardi has moved quickly to sign an extended engine supply contract with Cosworth for next year, with an option to continue into 2007, although at present the Italian outfit will continue to use a V10 unit modified to comply with the revised regulations.

The arrangement will see Minardi running with a further development of the current TJ 90-degree V10 engine. This follows the team's initial experience of the TJ2005 power unit in recent tests of its new Minardi Cosworth PS05 at Mugello and during the San Marino Grand Prix weekend at Imola. Team boss Paul Stoddart has already spoken out against the move to V8s, agreeing with rivals that the development costs push up the price of competing in F1, rather than bringing it down.

"We have been exceptionally impressed with the TJ2005 engine in the short time we have been running it in the PS05, and we can't praise highly enough the power, driveability and reliability of the new power unit," the Australian said, "We are more than pleased to demonstrate our belief in Cosworth by entering into this contractual arrangement at an early stage of the new season.

"In terms of engine supply, this is definitely the right way for Minardi to go. The team has enjoyed a strong relationship with Cosworth over the years, and on both a technical and a personal basis, we now look forward to continuing that."

Cosworth had intended to run its 2.4-litre F1 powerplant in the back of next year's Red Bull car, and was angered by the team's decision to go with Ferrari for 2006. However, despite having to put the new powerplant on the backburner for the moment - while it seeks alternative customers - the engine builder was delighted to be able to extend its partnership with F1's hardiest minnow.

"Minardi is a team with which we have enjoyed a long-standing, and close, relationship over the years," said managing director Tim Routsis, "It's also fair to say there are mutual benefits in such an arrangement.

"On the one hand, it has always been an integral part of Cosworth's philosophy to test its products to the limit at the top levels of international motorsport. On the other, however, it is pleasing for our company, which is now an independent engine manufacturer, to continue to support one of the last true independent teams on the Formula One grid."

Minardi will give the current TJ2005 engine its second race outing in the PS05 at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.