Cosworth confirm engine upgrade for Minardi.

Cosworth's managing director, Tim Routsis has confirmed that Minardi will switch to using the same specification engine as Red Bull this weekend, when the Italian team debuts their new car - the PS05, at the San Marino GP.

This will be a major boost for Paul Stoddart's team and although it was scheduled, it should help both Christijan Albers and Patrick Friesacher as the team look to overhaul nearest rivals, Jordan.

"The latest TJ2005 engine represents significant gains over the CK2004 engine," said Routsis.

Amongst those gains according to Cosworth are:

- a peak power increase of more than 60BHP;
- engine speed increase of 500RPM;
- engine duty cycle increased (more power for greater period of running);
- engine life extended to cover two events (1300km nominal) and reliability improved;
- engine centre of gravity more than 50mm lower;
- engine stiffness significantly increased;
- high level of integration with car design.

Asked if there were any variations between the engine RBR will get and the one that Minardi will now use, Routsis insisted that there were 'no significant differences'.

Minardi meanwhile ran with the new engine last week, when Albers gave the PS05 its first run at Mugello.

This situation though will not continue throughout 2005, and Red Bull Racing will get a series 12 engine for the Canadian or USA Grand Prix.

"This engine [the series 12] is currently under development and will deliver significantly more power and revs over the series 10," added Routsis.

"It will be exclusive to Red Bull Racing and a development version - series 11 - with a gain of 30BHP and a maximum engine speed of 19000RPM has already been successfully track tested by Red Bull."