Marussia secure Ferrari engines for 2014

Marussia have agreed a long-term technical partnership with Ferrari which will see them use the Italian team’s turbo engine from 2014, when new 1.6-litre V6 power units will be introduced.

Marussia were in need of a new engine deal as current supplier Cosworth, who the team have worked with since they made their debut in the sport in 2010, are leaving Formula 1 at the end of the season.

The move had been widely expected as Marussia currently run Jules Bianchi – a Ferrari Academy driver – in their race line-up alongside Max Chilton. The deal will also see the team supplied with Ferrari gearboxes and other technical systems.

Ferrari have been looking to supply another team after Toro Rosso decided to stop using Ferrari units from next season, switching to Renault power to bring them in line with their sister team Red Bull.

Marussia CEO Andy Webb said: "The importance of this development to our team cannot be overstated. Not only will we benefit from a customer supply from the most successful engine manufacturer in F1's history but this also provides further confirmation, if it were needed, of our commitment to the sport and determination to maintain our progression towards our long-term ambitions.

"The new powertrain regulations being introduced next year represent the most substantial engine development within the sport since the introduction of the V8 and are all the more significant for the increased contribution of the energy recovery system. We look forward to working with Ferrari during this exciting new era of F1 competition."

Marussia have yet to score a point in F1. They are currently 10^th in the constructors’ championship, one place ahead of rivals Caterham after nine races.