Monday 25th September 2017

Aston Martin returns to Formula One

Aston Martin becomes title sponsor for Red Bull Racing - possible engine partnership to follow

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Aston Martin has today announced that it will become the title sponsor for Red Bull Racing from next year - meaning that one of Britain's most venerated brands will return to the Formula One paddock as Aston Martin Red Bull Racing in March.

For now, the deal won't result in a whole lot more than the warm and fuzzy feeling of seeing its name above the pit garage - although the manufacturer hasn't ruled out becoming involved in the car's engine from 2021, having been asked by the FIA to contribute to ongoing discussions about future powerplants for the sport.

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin's CEO, said: The power unit discussions are of interest to us but only if the circumstances are right. We are not about to enter an engine war with no restrictions in cost or dynamometer hours but we believe that if the FIA can create the right environment we would be interested in getting involved."

Of considerably greater significance to Gaydon are the commercial aspects of the relationship. The 'Innovation Partnership', signed just before the season started in 2016, has already helped produce the formidable (and sold-out) Valkyrie; now it will underpin a line of future products which seek to utilise the racing team's expertise.

To that end, Aston Martin will establish an Advanced Performance Centre at Red Bull's campus in Milton Keynes, creating 110 new jobs in the process. As well as being the hub for engineering personnel working on forthcoming models, the centre will also house the firm's second dedicated design centre (giving Adrian Newey far less distance to walk).

It is the permanent presence of Gaydon employees at Red Bull's headquarters which gives the deepening partnership a sense of credibility - a trait sorely missing from the team's previous association with Infiniti. Aston Martin's return to F1 (previously mooted under David Richards' chairmanship) has taken over half a century; expect the follow-up to the Valkyrie to arrive a good bit quicker.

[Fetchez la vache]

Is it just me or does an "engine partnership" sound a bit weird when their "new" road engines are for all intents and purposes, Merc engines... ?

Edit: Used wrong "Their". Am hiding in embarrassment as you now read this. I left my pedant badge at the door...

Edited by Fetchez la vache on Monday 25th September 12:45