Toro Rosso is looking to ditch its current engine supplier in favour of Renault power from 2014, according to team boss Franz Tost.
The Italian outfit currently uses Ferrari engines and has done since 2007, however its sister outfit and current champions Red Bull, use the French supplied V8 units.
With the switch to 1.4 litre, V6-tubo engines next season, Tost is hopeful they can join Red Bull in using Renault engines because of the ‘synergies’ it offers in terms of development and parts.
“It is our target to have the same engine as Red Bull Racing is using, to use the synergies that are possible from the regulations side, that is the reason why,” said Tost in Jerez.
“We are in negotiations with Renault and then we will see. No contract has been signed so far,” he confirmed.
Switching to the same supplier would allow Toro Rosso to reduce its development costs, as it currently sources its own gearbox, whereas they could use Red Bull’s in future as well as other benefits.
“For sure it will be an advantage because if we are racing with the same engine, we will have the same gearbox as Red Bull, because this is possible from the regulation side.
“We will use the synergies of what the regulations will allow us to do.”
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