Mecachrome, Cheever form technical partnership.

Red Bull Cheever Racing opened the Homestead race weekend by announcing that it formed a new technical partnership with French engine concern Mecachrome.

The move teams Eddie Cheever's eponymous squad with the accomplished Formula One engine builder, which will provide engineering, research and development services, as well assistance with chassis and component aerodynamics and design.

"Our partnership with Mecachrome is the beginning of an opportunity to utilise some very intelligent engineers and advanced resources in the automobile and aeronautical industry," Cheever, a former Renault F1 star, explained, "Mecachrome's international expertise and Formula One experience will not only enhance development within our team, but will bring us to a whole new level of motor sport innovation."

Mecachrome has been involved in racing for more that 30 years, and has supplied Renault-based engines to the likes of WilliamsF1 in grand prix racing. The current potent V10 being used by the Renault team is also derived from a Mecachrome unit.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for Mecachrome," said Guillaume Casella, the president of Mecachrome Canada and Mecachrome Switzerland and executive vice president of Mecachrome International, "This alliance will allow our highly dedicated engineers to work side by side with the Red Bull Cheever Racing team in the quest for the IRL championship title.

Red Bull Cheever Racing drivers Alex Barron and Ed Carpenter will carry the Mecachrome logo on their cars from this weekend's Toyota Indy 300.