After much speculation in recent days, Downton have finally announced this evening that their new deal is with British manufacturer McLaren, much to the surprise of the FV paddock whom expected an alliance with Honda. Various rumours over the last few last days hinted at Downton linking up with Honda - whose current major association in Formula Virtual will finish at the end of this season when Franklin depart - however that was reportedly never on the cards, with rumours now returning that Ingram will take up the mantle of the primary Honda team.
"It's been rather amusing these last few days to see all of the Honda rumours," team principal Bradley Downton commented. "I can confirm at no point have we had discussions with Honda, and I was simply in Cambridge (the home of Ingram V-Prix) earlier to see an old friend on my way to here (Woking)." "We are however delighted to now finally confirm this new agreement with McLaren, which will see them pick up where DS Automobiles will leave off at the end of the current season. We will still build the car and the engine, but McLaren will tune it, with our 2020 power unit being dubbed the Downton MCL-2020. This will also be used by our customers Phoenix and Lucas." James Austin - head of Downton's engine department - added, "We are thrilled to be getting the chance to work with such a prestigious manufacturer as McLaren. DS have been fantastic, but we're excited to move forwards and see what additional steps McLaren can give us." Along with the Formula Virtual deal, Downton also announced an off-track alliance with McLaren. Both manufacturers produce road cars in their own rights and will remain their own entities, but an agreement between them will see Downton produce several affordable cars in alliance with McLaren, allowing the latter into a market they have previously not explored. The agreement comes with new branding for Downton, in the form of a new badge that will feature on all cars made from now, and a new logo for the Formula Virtual team, in use from the start of 2020.
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