Stefan GP and Toyota end tie-up
Date published : 22 Mar 2010 - 16:06:14
Stefan GP's attempts to join the Formula 1 grid have suffered an apparent blow following the end of its technical partnership with Toyota. The Serbian-backed entry had been strongly pushing to join the field this year and reached an agreement with the Japanese manufacturer to buy the rights to its 2010 car and engine designs, Toyota having disbanded its Cologne-based F1 team at the end of last season. However, despite US F1's project falling through for this year, the FIA opted not to replace the American entry on the new season entry list with it instead re-opening the application process for 2011 as it evaluates whether to readmit a 13th team. With its plans already at an advanced stage and access to a modern-day F1 car at its disposal Stefan appeared well positioned for the selection process, but speedtv.com reports that its relationship with Toyota has come to an end for 2010 at least. According to the American broadcaster, Stefan GP owner Zoran Stefanovic's deal was on the understanding that his squad gained an entry for the current season and that now, with the FIA having made clear no place will be forthcoming, it no longer has access to Toyota's 2010 car or an office at its Cologne factory.
It is not clear whether the relationship will be resurrected if Stefan was to succeed in getting a place on the 2011 grid, but it is believed the possibility of an extension to the agreement is unlikely. However, although the end of its Toyota tie-up appears likely to have set Stefan's F1 ambitions back, Bernie Ecclestone who had been a key supporter of Stefanovic's plans has suggested that it could yet appear in 2010 amid speculation that it may buy US F1's entry. I think they've come together now with some ideas, Ecclestone told Speed. We have to find a way. They won't be there for sure for the first two or three races, whether they'll be there after that, we'll have to see. Pressed further on the issue, he implied Stefan could join the grid if another team ran into financial difficulties: I don't know, I doubt it because it's not fair to the others... But imagine one of these other people was in a little bit of a trouble. Last Friday the FIA asked would-be teams interested in joining F1 to come forward and express interest in a possible 2011 grid spot ahead of a full application process. The governing body expects to make a final decision on the issue in July.
