Red Bull announces Ferrari engine deal

Red Bull Racing announced on April 23rd that its cars will be Ferrari-powered in 2006 and 2007. The team currently runs Cosworth engines and Ferrari supplies to Sauber, although the Swiss squad is thought to be switching to a different engine supplier next year, possibly BMW.

"Ferrari is synonymous with success in Formula 1 and we are extremely proud and privileged that Red Bull Racing will be powered by Ferrari engines from 2006 onwards," said Red Bull sporting director Chrisitian Horner. "This is an enormous boost for the team and underlines our commitment to compete at the forefront of Formula 1."

Asked if the deal meant Red Bull would align itself politically with Ferrari, Horner said he intended to try and stay out of any political wrangles. The partnership aims to continue the increased competitiveness of Red Bull since the start of this season.

"We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Red Bull Racing to supply them with our F1 engines," said Ferrari managing director, Jean Todt.

"The determination, motivation and enthusiasm of the people at Red Bull Racing were key factors in us taking this decision. This collaboration fits in with the fact that, since 1991, with a break from 1993 to 1996, Ferrari has supplied its F1 engines to other teams."

Red Bull currently stands one place ahead of Ferrari in the constructors' championship but has struggled slightly this weekend at Imola. David Coulthard qualified 14th in Saturday's session and Vitantonio Liuzzi, who is making his F1 race debut, was 16th.