Horner: Cost cuts won't hurt form

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner is confident that the team's competitiveness next year will not be adversely affected by the major budget cuts they are having to make.

As autosport.com revealed yesterday, Red Bull's senior management are looking at making up to a 30 per cent cost reduction at the team over the next 12 months.

But despite such cutbacks, Horner thinks the team are well placed to see through the situation without having their form hurt.

"Red Bull Racing have been prudent in their planning and I don't think our programme will be compromised in any way," Horner told autosport.com.

"Every team in the pit lane is looking to cut costs, working collectively through FOTA and through the FIA making positive progress. We've adjusted and reacted to those [economic] situations. Obviously F1's costs have spiralled out of control during the last few years."

Horner added that progress made by the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) and the FIA in closing on a final package of cost-cutting measures will also make it easier to find the necessary budgetary savings.

"Moves have been afoot for some time to control costs, whether it be the increase in engine life with the restrictions of testing and so on, so that naturally creates cost saving opportunities," he said.

"Further proposals have been discussed in FOTA, which is all very positive. It is very timely considering the current economic climate."

Horner also downplayed concerns over the future of F1 following the withdrawal of Honda, saying that the fact potential buyers are interested in the team is grounds for optimism.

"It's a real shame to lose a team with the long standing history on F1 such as Honda," he said. "But obviously it's good to hear that there are several other parties who are interested.

"Obviously Jaguar withdrew several years ago, which presented an opportunity for Red Bull. Whether there's another Red Bull out there at this point in time is difficult to say, but hopefully for all the guys at Honda they will find something in the near future."

Red Bull Racing received a small financial boost this week when they announced a new team partner in computer firm Trust. The company's logos will appear on the drivers' helmets and other team branding areas.

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