The sound of Cosworth Formula One engines spanning 34 years will flood the desert next month, at the 2004 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit. The current three-litre, V10 powerplants will be complimented by no less that 24 examples of the legendary DFV engine, powering a host of classic machinery from the golden age of Formula One, including a 1970 ex-Jackie Stewart Tyrrell 001.
To this day, the three-litre, V8 DFV (Double Four Valve) remains the most successful engine in the history of Formula One, with 155 race wins to its credit. A formidable record, and one that contributes to Cosworth’s status as the most successful engine manufacturer in the history of the sport, with 176 race wins in total. And at the 2004 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the DFV will race on the same track on the same day as its younger, yet far more powerful, siblings for the first time.
One of only two support races for the Bahrain Grand Prix sees the first round of the 2004 Thoroughbred Grand Prix World Championship running at the brand new circuit. With the exception of a single car, the 25-strong grid, and five reserves, are powered by the legendary Ford-Cosworth DFV engine. The earliest car competing is the Tyrrell 001, driven by John Delane, while the entry list reads like a who’s who of dream F1 cars; Brabham, McLaren, Lotus, March and Osella will compete in four classes; pre-1972, post-1971 non-ground effect, post-1971 ground effect and post-1971 flat bottom cars.
The contrast between the 1970 Tyrrell 001 and the 2004 Jaguar R5 could not be more striking. The perfect polished stainless steel and nickel plated suspension components alongside the latest composite and carbon-fibre technology; the DFV, the first F1 engine designed as a stressed member, alongside the Jaguar’s Cosworth CR6, twice the power and half the weight; the enormous slick tyres against the far smaller but grippier grooved items.
Many would expect that such stunning machinery would be treated as collector’s items but the racing in the TGP is as committed as that in the contemporary Formula One World Championship. The first round of the 2004 Thoroughbred Grand Prix World Championship, with Power by Cosworth, should set the scene perfectly for the inaugural Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
