Aston Martin Planning to Step Into Formula One

KUALA LUMPUR: Aston Martin and Mercedes Benz have teamed up on an agreement, under which Mercedes will be supplying engines and electronic architectures for Aston's next generation of sports cars. This development has initiated a series of speculations revolving around a potential entry of Aston Martin into the Formula One Arena. The domination that Mercedes is currently enjoying in the famous Motorsports domain is luring the folks at Aston Martin to join the party.

If rumors are to be believed, the British carmaker is planning to become a 'Brand Partner' of Red Bull Racing, a team that has four world titles on its name. If Aston Martin successfully crack the deal, Red Bull would be able to switch from their current Renault powertrains to that from Mercedes. While, the engines will be supplied by Mercedes, the cars would have Aston Martin branding. This would be concurrent to Red Bull's current business arrangement, where powertrains are from Renault, while the car wears Infiniti badges. Red Bull's dissatisfaction with its current powertrains from Renault might further fuel Aston Martin's entry.

The past record of Aston Martin in F1 has not been something to talk about. It competed in just two seasons – 1959 and 1960 – after which the company decided to depart. It currently participates in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the US based IMSA series.

Aston Martin wants to enhance it's brand image through the F1 campaign, thought it is highly unlikely that the venture will have any effect on its road cars.