With this in mind, Caterham's launch of the CSR with a Cosworth powerplant couldn't have been better timed, although several other Sevens remain K-powered. If the Chinese (or whoever) won't play ball with continued supply, then Caterham may have to revisit Cosworth for a new base motor.

Lotus's decision to introduce the Toyota engine into the Elise and Exige last year also now looks doubly inspired. Only around 10 per cent of Hethel's production now comes with a K-series - about 350 units a year - which is what will be built by Rover during the next four months. After that it wouldn't be too hard to standardise the Toyota engine across the range.

The company that has the biggest potential problem is Land Rover, which still uses the K and KV6 in the Freelander. Spotting the approaching crisis, Solihull stockpiled enough engines to last until the end of the year, but there's still the need to ensure supply for a further six to eight months until the current- generation Freelander dies; its replacement will have Ford engines from launch.