Pro Drive Entering F1 2008

[maltafan]

Yes. Prodrive had to be an addition to the grid.

Now I just hope that none of the other teams stop, cause we'll end up with 22 again.

[mirek01]

It's look like there will be a McLaren B-team. Prodrive still have a time look at Aguri they make it from nowhere and looking good so don't worry about Prodrive they make it. I hope they will make a very professional job and will challenge for points.

[miurasv]

David Richards isn't known for half-assing anything.
He turned Bar's fortunes around will run a customer car
few a couple of years until a full fledge assault is launched.

[tvianna]

I have heard yesterday that Briatore/Renault had offered a cheaper deal to Prodrive, (anyone know something about it? ), but I still believe Prodrive will become a McLaren-B team.

[iceman1]

Prodrive to abandon F1 entry.

Ecclestone doubts Prodrive will be in F1

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is doubtful that Prodrive will be on the grid next season, as he questions the future of customer cars in the sport.

Prodrive's plans to enter F1 in 2008 are currently on hold in the wake of Williams's threats of legal action if the team enter the championship with customer McLaren cars.

And although Prodrive are hoping to resume talks with McLaren once the FIA give the entry the green light at a future Court of Appeal hearing, Ecclestone told reporters on Friday that he thought the team would not make it for next year.

When asked by autosport.com what he thought was going to happen to Prodrive, Ecclestone said: "I have no idea. I think they have decided to give up, haven't they? I think they have.

"They were all excited about coming in and it is a pity for them."

Prodrive said last week they were still committed to competing in Formula One next year, but the uncertainty over their entry has left them with little time to make it to the grid in March next year.

"Prodrive remain committed to participating in Formula One," the team stated. "We are hopeful that the current dispute over our eligibility to race will be clarified later this month. In the meantime, we will consider all our alternative options for next season."

Prodrive's entry also depends on the teams agreeing on a new Concorde Agreement, which will define what customer teams are, and under what financial terms they participate in the sport.

The current teams have so far failed to reach a unanimous accord, and some are suggesting the matter may not even be resolved until the eve of the 2008 season.

Ecclestone said, however, that he did not think customer cars should be allowed in F1 and made it clear he would prefer another manufacturer to take the 12th slot.

"Probably not," he said when asked if customer cars should be allowed in F1. "The teams say that the real constructors are spending half a billion (US dollars) a year and Prodrive's budget was about 75 million. It is not fair.

"I should think there will be 11 teams next year. (For 2009) let's see who the 12th is, it is open. Let's have a look and see.

"I would like to see another manufacturer coming in. There is one or two sort of having a look."

only way in is to buy the old minardi

[martinez]

I am assuming (correct me if i am wrong) that there will possibly be a number of 24 cars on the track next season?

I assume you are correct as long as they actually do show up and spyker dont dissapear

[Bowsey]

Yer it seems in doubt now, I do't think we will be seeing them next year, but I could be proved wrong. I don't know why Bernie wouldn't want another team in the mix, but he has his reasons.

[martinez]

Im confused, are prodrive going to be in f1 next year because we havnt heard anymore from them can anyone help?

[maltafan]

I am confused as much as you.

It's difficult for them to make it, customer cars or not.

[iceman1]

It looks to be more prodead than prodrive for 2008 :@:2

[AzShadow]

They were relying completely on McLaren package and now that they can't have it there's no way they can make it in time to 2008 season. They have no drivers, no crew, nothing. Most likely the team spot will be sold to someone else.

Customer cars were supposed to be allowed in 2008, but by Williams' resistance it appears they won't be. I wonder if they'll sign a new Concorde agreement or not.

Basically there are already a couple of customer cars like Toro Rosso using RB3 and Super Aguri using Honda cars. Of course they're not as big threat to everyone as a team running last year's McLarens would be. Just imagine someone using next year the McLaren used this year. They would still easily be in the top 3 or top 4 because it takes so long for the smaller teams to catch up.

[iceman1]

Basically there are already a couple of customer cars like Toro Rosso using RB3 and Super Aguri using Honda cars. Of course they're not as big threat to everyone as a team running last year's McLarens would be. Just imagine someone using next year the McLaren used this year. They would still easily be in the top 3 or top 4 because it takes so long for the smaller teams to catch up.

yeah right I dont think customer cars are the way forward, Constructors should continue to build their own cars

[Zack]

Basically there are already a couple of customer cars like Toro Rosso using RB3 and Super Aguri using Honda cars.

RB3 is customer car too,they buy the technology of a parent Red Bull technology company...
So STR don't buy it from Red Bull. In effect both run a customer chassis from a company who does not exist in F1.

[AzShadow]

Jordan adamant that teams should build own cars
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/n ... 4237.shtml

RB3 is customer car too,they buy the technology of a parent Red Bull technology company...
So STR don't buy it from Red Bull. In effect both run a customer chassis from a company who does not exist in F1.

Yes, but it's more like evading the rules. Pretty much the same thing as McLaren Technology or whatever is supplying the ECUs.

[iceman1]

David Richards has confirmed for the first time that Prodrive will definitely not debut in Formula One as planned in 2008.

"There was a dispute about our eligibility," the Briton said in an interview with the German specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

"In addition, the new Concorde agreement has been repeatedly delayed. We asked the FIA to be able to start mid-way through the season: our request was rejected.

"So for 2008 there is not a realistic chance of there being a Prodrive Formula One team," Richards stated.

In April of last year, F1's governing body announced that Banbury-based Prodrive, an outfit famous for its involvement in the World Rally Championship with Subaru, had been selected to become the twelfth and final team in 2008.

But the touted 'customer car' rules have since been the subject of intense controversy in the paddock, moving Richards last month to reveal that a planned link-up with McLaren-Mercedes had been called off.


Richards explained that Prodrive's target now is to debut in 2009, pending the consent of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

"Secondly, we must wait for the new Concorde. Only then can we fully assess our options," he added.

Richards, former Benetton and BAR boss, said: "Our ambition is still to be in Formula One.

"But there was the risk of legal procedures because we wanted to use a customer car. As a result, our entire business plan was put into doubt.

"So we have chosen to re-group instead of simply race ahead blindly," he explained.

what a surprise