UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Prodrive disappointed to be left out

David Richards prepared to wait

Prodrive are disappointed not to be granted a place on next years' Formula 1 grid. The UK-based outfit had been touted as a hot favourite for a 2010 entry, but has not been included in FIA's entry list on Friday.

"We are naturally disappointed by the FIA's decision not to include Prodrive in the preliminary entry list for 2010," says Prodrive boss David Richards. "We believe we have the resources and set-up to be competitive in Formula One and would make a positive contribution to the sport."

The 2010 entry list is far from definite, as all current FOTA teams are still in dispute with the FIA over cost-cutting proposals. If the matter is not resolved by next's Friday's ultimate deadline, the rebel teams may be replacement by some of the other new entries, including Richards' Prodrive outfit.

“We will wait to see how things develop in the next week, up to the 19th June deadline set by the FIA and we remain prepared and ready to implement our plans should the circumstances allow," Richards remains hopeful. "As we have seen before, there are quite often many twists and turns in Formula One.”

Prodrive had planned to enter Formula 1 together with Aston Martin, but for now has to concentrate on its other activities with the legendary marque, such as contesting this weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans in LMP1.

"This weekend our attention is one hundred percent focused on our Aston Martin team at Le Mans," Richards states. "For the first time we are challenging for outright victory with a three-car line-up, following two consecutive GT1 class wins, on the 50th anniversary of Aston Martin’s historic 1959 win at the circuit de La Sarthe."

Filip Cleeren

Written: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:25:00