Ilmor applies for 2017 'client engine' role

Nov.20 (GMM) Ilmor has put its hand up to become F1's exclusive supplier of the 2.5 litre 'client engine' for 2017.

Headed by renowned F1 engine guru and Swiss Mario Illien, the British company was already considered a front-runner due to supplying a similar-spec engine badged as Chevrolet to the Indycar series.

The FIA had announced that outfits should express their interest in the tender by 23 November.

"Ilmor has applied," Illien told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport on 20 November.

The plan, although controversial, is for the perhaps twin-turbo, non-hybrid 2.5 litre V6 to be supplied to teams for no more than EUR 6 or 7 million per year, with the regulations to run parallel to the existing 'power unit' rules.

Michael Schmidt, the respected Auto Motor und Sport correspondent, said Ilmor is likely to be joined in the bidding by Cosworth as well as AER, a British racing engine company.

The FIA's decision is expected in early December.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Ilmor could also work with Renault next year on the French outfit's 1.6 litre 'power unit', but Illien said: "As long as nothing is decided, I will not talk about it."