Team Orion to get Star Motor treatment

According to a reliable source in the U.S., it is believed that Kyosho and Team Orion have begun working with Star Motor Engineering, the Italian engine plant that makes Sirio, to produce their newest range of engines under the Team Orion label. Following the recent departure from the company by Andrea Rossi, it is understood that former employee and current Team Orion engine man Adrien Bertin moved in to take over production, essentially continuing on the work he did 2 years previously when he worked at the company. Kyosho, who had a strong relationship with Sirio in the past, had that relationship come to an end regarding supply of motors to their race team in mid 2007, but the distribution of engines by the Japanese company had continued in certain markets. The CRF engines, which use their patented special crankshaft, will continue to be made by Picco in Italy. It is also understood that the Sirio brand name will no longer exist following this deal. We expect an official announcement in or around the Nuremberg toy fair at the beginning of February.

UPDATE: Andrea Rossi has confirmed to us that Star Motor Engineering will produce the new line up of Team Orion engines, but he also assured us that despite continued ‘rumours’, both he and Sirio are staying put. Good news.