Dec.14 (GMM) David Richards has rubbished suggestions that Prodrive's formula one foray for 2008 is on the verge of stalling.
News about the Banbury-based outfit's entrance into the sport has gone quiet of late, but chairman Richards insisted this week that Prodrive is still on track to join the grid in March '08, having winning the FIA's coveted twelfth slot.
"I will be on the grid in Melbourne in 2008," the 54-year-old told F1's official website, adding that a title sponsor is nearly signed.
"Nobody should have any doubts about that."
Richards said he wants to run Prodrive F1 "in my own way" but reinforced speculation that he is hoping to link up to become an existing squad's 'b' team.
He therefore promised to be "frugal" and avoid building up the team until the end of 2007.
"That is probably unusual for formula one, but it's going to be my policy because in the first years we will not need a large resource and we can accommodate (it) within our own facilities," the Briton explained.
Richards said talks with Asian car manufacturers outside of F1, possibly Hyundai, did not come to fruition.
"I want to do this for another three years, I want to establish the team properly, I want to see it get off the ground -- and then I want to stand back," he said.
"We have seen how long it took for Honda and Toyota and I am not a patient person. I'd rather have a short cut."
Written: Thu, 14 Dec 2006 11:48:03
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- January 11, 2008Richards rules out Prodrive entry
- November 22, 2007Richards - no Prodrive for '08
- October 10, 2007Prodrive-McLaren deal off
- October 10, 2007Prodrive/Mclaren deal on the rocks
- October 01, 2007McLaren - Prodrive deal ready
- September 11, 2007Wurz rules out Prodrive move
- August 28, 2007Prodrive deal not done - McLaren
- August 20, 2007Prodrive will be go in '08
- August 16, 2007Prodrive on course for '08 Mclaren
- August 07, 2007Time running out for Prodrive?
- (December 14, 2006)View all headlines from this date
