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 "We've entered the world championship so as long as we sort our
engine predicament out, absolutely we'll be there next year," team
principal Christian Horner told Sky Sports television at the
Brazilian Grand Prix on Friday.
Red Bull's motorsport consultant Helmut Marko meanwhile told Sky
Germany that both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso would be competing
in 2016 in what would be a transition year.
Red Bull have yet to announce an engine deal but all the signs are
pointing to an agreement with current suppliers Renault after
exhausting all other options.
Mercedes have refused to provide engines while Ferrari are willing
only to supply sister team Toro Rosso with year-old units.
Honda, whose reliability and performance is worse than Renault's,
have expressed an interest but partners McLaren have a veto and are
resolutely against.
"All I can tell you is we're homing in on something and as soon as
we've got something to announce then you'll be at the top of the
list," said Horner.
He would not be drawn on whether Red Bull, who earlier this season
sought termination of their Renault deal despite it still having a
year to run, were likely to use the French units as a basis to work
on in-house.
"As soon as we've got something to say, we'll let you know. Anything
else at the moment is just speculation," he said.
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Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo welcomed the clear sign of
progress.
"It is nice to know," he told reporters. "I always had faith we
would (be competing next year), but it is the first step towards a
better 2016, so it is good news.
"I feel between now and Abu Dhabi we will hear something."
Red Bull's chief engineer Paul Monaghan said separately the team
would still be able to make the first pre-season test of 2016
despite the late engine decision.
"We are working towards a deal and if one can be achieved, then that
will be announced in time but we will still make it, don’t worry,"
he said.
(Writing by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Greg Stutchbury)
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