Cosworth is set to return as an engine supplier to Formula 1 when the tweaked engine formula comes into force, which is expected to be in 2021.
The Northampton-based company was last involved as an engine supplier in 2013 when it supplied the Marussia outfit – the sole survivor of the three new entrants which joined in 2010, before its own collapse last year under the Manor banner.
Cosworth supplied all three at the time; Virgin, HRT and Lotus, as well as Williams, with a 2.4 litre V8 engine, but exited the sport when the current power unit was introduced, partly because of the development costs involved on the hybrid side, but also because it couldn't secure enough customer teams to make the project profitable.
But with a simpler engine formula set to be introduced in 2021, Cosworth confirmed to Motorsport.com that it is exploring a return and has actively been involved in framing what the new engine will look like, alongside current manufacturers, and potentially interested new entrants including Porsche/Audi and Aston Martin.
"I think that we've got sufficient support from the existing teams, and we've had discussions with some, that enable us to make the commitment to proceed [with returning]," said Hal Reisiger, CEO of Cosworth.
Reisiger even confirmed that Cosworth has some agreements already in place to supply "some existing and future teams", enough that "would enable us to be a sustainable engine partner".
With an expected debut in 2021, or even 2020, Reisiger says Cosworth will need to begin development and testing soon.
"We would typically start in 2018. I know there is some discussion about moving it ahead by a year, and that would mean working really soon," he added.
