Another new team for F1 in 2008 - Prodrive
Discussion
Autocourse said:
Prodrive look set to unveil plans for an entry into Formula One for the 2008 season, with an announcement possible as early as tomorrow [Wednesday].
Speculation has been rife since the Autosport International show in January that Prodrive boss David Richards – previously involved with the Benetton and BAR teams – was looking to try and put together a Formula One entry of his own, with the man himself admitting to Crash.net Radio that a return to the F1 paddock was a distinct possibility.
"It is very much around how deep your pockets are and the large manufacturers will dominate in those situations; there is no getting away from that," he said at the time. "If the rules change in 2008, as is the goal, then the circumstances could be right for a team like Prodrive to become involved again so we will watch that development very carefully.
"I suspect there would be very few organisations in the world more capable of achieving a result in that area than us."
Having had chance to sit down and look at the facts, Crash.net understands that Prodrive is set to confirm its intention to come into F1 once the new Concorde Agreement comes into force in 2008, when the $48 million bond currently required to lodge an entry into F1 – and which caused problems for the new Super Aguri outfit when it had its initial entry for 2006 refused – would no longer be in place.
Plans are also afoot to bring in further regulation changes ahead of 2008 which would lower the costs involved in Formula One, making a step into the big-time for Prodrive, who already run the Subaru WRC programme as well as the works Aston Martin Racing GT team and the FPR V8 Supercar outfit, a distinct possibility.
While Prodrive headquarters are currently located in Banbury, Prodrive F1 would be based at the companies 250 acre site near Kenilworth and the team could provide David Lapworth with a new role within Prodrive after he left his position as director of the WRC programme and was replaced by Paul Howarth.
Lapworth is set to remain with Prodrive although no announcement has been made on what his future role with the outfit will be.
As promising as this news would be, it's been catalysed by that humble and benevolent servant of virtue, Min Mosley.
He is plainly doing everything imaginable to tighten his stranglehold on motoring. The central threat to his control is the potential breakaway manufacturers' series.
As of now there are 11 teams registered for F1. The rules allow a total of only 12. If Prodrive were to join, each of the manufacturers' teams would be jeopardised: after that, just one more new member (such as Penske's mooted effort) and that would preclude a place for one of the breakaway teams. Therefore each of them will feel intense pressure to commit to the FIA and Bernie if Prodrive (or anyone else) registers as number 12.
The proposed radical changes to the formula for '08 are meant precisely to attract lower-budget entrants to force the manufacturers' hands.
He is plainly doing everything imaginable to tighten his stranglehold on motoring. The central threat to his control is the potential breakaway manufacturers' series.
As of now there are 11 teams registered for F1. The rules allow a total of only 12. If Prodrive were to join, each of the manufacturers' teams would be jeopardised: after that, just one more new member (such as Penske's mooted effort) and that would preclude a place for one of the breakaway teams. Therefore each of them will feel intense pressure to commit to the FIA and Bernie if Prodrive (or anyone else) registers as number 12.
The proposed radical changes to the formula for '08 are meant precisely to attract lower-budget entrants to force the manufacturers' hands.
flemke said:
As promising as this news would be, it's been catalysed by that humble and benevolent servant of virtue, Min Mosley.
He is plainly doing everything imaginable to tighten his stranglehold on motoring. The central threat to his control is the potential breakaway manufacturers' series.
As of now there are 11 teams registered for F1. The rules allow a total of only 12. If Prodrive were to join, each of the manufacturers' teams would be jeopardised: after that, just one more new member (such as Penske's mooted effort) and that would preclude a place for one of the breakaway teams. Therefore each of them will feel intense pressure to commit to the FIA and Bernie if Prodrive (or anyone else) registers as number 12.
The proposed radical changes to the formula for '08 are meant precisely to attract lower-budget entrants to force the manufacturers' hands.
Yep, got it in 1 - but then don't forget that it's very likely that Renault will close up shop in 2007 and just retain the Viry engine plant to supply customer engines (why else were they so in favour of a technology freeze on engines in F1?)- DR stands then to pick up Enstone lock stock and barrel - I cannot see him developing his own factory - but then for some reason I perceive there to be a bit of needle between him and Malcolm Wilson - perhaps DR wants to "do a Dovenby" and literally have all facilities in one place?
Autosport said:
Prodrive to build F1-spec factory
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 13:47 GMT
Prodrive's expected entry into Grand Prix racing in 2008 has moved a step closer, with the team announcing on Wednesday plans to build a Formula One-spec factory in Warwickshire.
The announcement, which comes after autosport.com revealed on Monday that Prodrive boss David Richards is on the verge of giving the green light to his F1 operation, will see the company develop a 200-acre facility at Honiley.
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