Tag Archives: us f1

Stefan GP and Toyota split up – for now…

Stefan GP – the team that tried and failed to take US F1’s position on the grid – has had a set back to it’s plans to enter F1. It’s main point was that it had the Toyota car, offices and technical support but now that agreement that was based upon Stefan GP actually gaining an entry has come to an end and the Stefan GP outfit has nothing again.
It seems that this saga will not end – though it does mean that Zoran Stefanovic is determined and that usually gets you what you want in F1. Bernie also still seems behind the outfit saying that it’s not all done and dusted and that we may yet see the team on the grid this year – though they would have to buy US F1’s entry and jump over some pretty big FIA hurdles to pull that one off. If this [...]

FIA reopens the bidding process for the last spot on the grid

With the failure of US F1 and the refusal to admit Stefan GP there is a vacant slot on the grid, to fill that for 2011 the FIA have opened up a new bidding process. If US F1 still has cash left it’ll have go through the whole process again with no guarantee that it will get an entry.
Hopefully the FIA look to cover the problems they had last time around and be a little more transparent about the requirements of any entry – like what engines they have to use, and also to set any teams granted the slot milestones that must be met. They have said that they will be appointing reserves to take up any unfilled positions which is an interesting statement as it’s possible that one or more of the teams racing this year will close it’s doors and would vacate another slot on the grid.
Candidates [...]

How did the new teams do in the first race?

Bahrain played host to three brand new teams this year, Lotus, Virgin Racing and HRT Cosworth/Hispania Racing. After months of preparation it was their first taste of F1 proper with nothing to hide behind.
Lotus performed the best of the new teams, they had a seemingly problem free weekend with their cars both going on to almost finish the race – they were both classified as finishers though. They were off the pace and even got outqualified by one of the Virgin cars but the results happen on race day. Top marks for their effort though and as they were the last team to be granted their entry they have done a fantastic job, it shows what bringing in F1 experience can do.
Virgin Racing put on a reasonable show though neither car finished the race due to technical issues – one hydraulic related and one with gearshift problems. The car looked [...]

US F1 out, Stefan GP out – the FIA publish the revised 2010 entry list

The FIA have issued the revised entry list for the 2010 season that confirms neither US F1 or Stefan GP will be at Bahrain. The release basically denies Stefan GP entry as it says
it is not possible for a replacement team to be entered for the championship at this late stage
I guess their dream was good while it lasted. It all comes down to whether they could have raced I guess and the FIA didn’t think they could. It remains to be seen whether Campos Meta under the new title of HRT Cosworth will manage to make the grid as no one has seen the car – it is due to be launched soon though.
Other things worth noting from the list are the lack of a second driver for HRT to partner Bruno Senna and the fact that Campos Meta can rename the team but that BMW Sauber Ferrari [...]