No space on the 2010 grid for Stefan GP despite USF1 withdrawal
The FIA have confirmed in a press release that USF1 have indicated they will not be in a position to participate in this year’s F1 season, and that it is not possible for a replacement team to be entered.
The press release read:
“The USF1 Team have indicated that they will not be in a position to participate in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship. Having considered the various options, the FIA confirms that it is not possible for a replacement team to be entered for the Championship at this late stage.
In the coming days the FIA will announce details of a new selection process to identify candidates to fill any vacancies existing at the start of the 2011 season.”
FIA
Stefan GP to reveal car next week
Stefan GP have announced that they will reveal their car next week. In a statement on their website, they wrote:
“StefanGP would like to inform the public that the containers we sent on the beginning of February arrived in Bahrain. During next week we will show our Stefan Formula 1 car to the press as the final evidence that should put us on the grid in Bahrain.”
Stefan GP
Stefan GP have not been allocated a grid slot for 2010, yet they have still sent a container with their cars in to Bahrain for the opening Grand Prix. The team have expressed their disapproval of USF1’s actions, or rather lack of actions in the run up to Bahrain which is now just two weeks away:
“Dreamers from USA will have to explain their actions, because they are deliberately weakening F1 with dreaming of perfect world and fairytales about success. And success doesn’t come by talking but with hard work and lot of guts.”
Stefan GP
Ferrari’s latest blog post attacks the FIA and the new teams
Ferrari has unleashed a relentless and scathing rage against the changing landscape of Formula One, on the team’s official website. It was so impassioned and contained a plethora of hyperbole that at times it was comical:
“The thirteenth team, USF1, appears to have gone into hiding in Charlotte, North Carolina, to the dismay of those like the Argentinian, Lopez, who thought he had found his way into the Formula 1 paddock, (albeit with help from chairwoman Kirchner, according to the rumours) and now has to start all over again. Amazingly, they still have the impudence to claim that everything is hunky-dory under the starry stripy sky.
Next, we have the Serbian vultures. Firstly, they launched themselves into a quixotic legal battle with the FIA, then they picked the bones of Toyota on its death bed”
This inevitably has led to the complaints –which seem to follow the Maranello squad everywhere- that they are simply being arrogant and upset that the order is being threatened. Well yes and no…
There’s a reason Ferrari is saying this; they aren’t just going to come out and damage a relationship with new FOTA colleagues for nothing. If the new teams can’t take the pressure then they will crumble. There’s no point getting into bed with a new team that’s going to hop right out again. There’s little point in being all sweetness and light to new teams who could potentially go running off to the FIA or Bernie for help and risk the strength and credibility of FOTA especially when there are big names on their side such as Mclaren and Mercedes. Bernie has also been fairly critical of the new entrants recently.
There’s a changing landscape which ultimately means a threat to the established order. There’s more competition at the front which will be tougher for Ferrari but there are also bigger names and therefore in theory, more weight behind FOTA. Additionally, there is still the possibility for FIA vs FOTA rows in the future so FOTA needs to stay together and stand firm. However, there could be internal struggles within FOTA anyway due to Ferrari has the prestige, Mercedes supply the most teams and two of which are the biggest names in the sport while Mclaren works out its own plans in the future.
Ferrari aren’t in an ideal situation at the moment; Brawn has gone, Schumacher too (he may be old but there was fifteen years spent building up a relationship and almost a brand to be sold), they no longer have the genius of Rory Byrne, Todt’s cunning is now at the top of the FIA, Stefano Domenicali has had a few tough moments already, they endured a terrible season last year and have high expectations for a driver who is returning after a pretty big injury. To top that all off, the Italian outfit is going through a transitional phase with Alonso while facing possibly their biggest championship fight yet.
This is just my speculation but privately perhaps Mclaren are thinking along the same lines as they are have a new driver too, Whitmarsh is relatively new in charge and has faced criticism in the previous season and they have the Mercedes engine situation in the future. Mclaren at least showed they could return to form last year unlike Ferrari who has had constant doubts because news on the F10 was silent for a lot of the time which adds to the sense that this is a vulnerable squad who are just lashing out.
That would be a touch naive to say it is the sole purpose for this tirade. Ferrari has the experience to deal with a changing situation but they are under pressure. We’ve still yet to see how much of a threat Mercedes and Red Bull Racing really will be but there is the anticipation of a close battle ahead. I doubt this season and the coming ones will turn out to be a disaster for Ferrari; in fact this could well be a new but very different golden period for them but there is still the uncomfortable experience of change at hand.
F1 can live without Ferrari but Ferrari can’t without F1. They may not like what is afoot but they’re stuck with it and trying to swing as much clout and momentum for their ideas as they can. They have achieved one major thing and that is that the three car idea isn’t going away. It doesn’t have a lot of support but with these blog posts and statements it is still in the public eye and so still on the table but it does seem highly unlikely it will ever come to fruition.
Ferrari are trying to get what they want but behind closed doors every team will be plotting and planning their future, this is just a different style. If you thought 2009 was dominated by politics then the theme doesn’t seem to be going away for this season.
USF1 dream in jeopardy?
It is being reported in Argentina that ‘with tears in his eyes’, team boss Peter Windsor told USF1 driver Jose Maria Lopez that the team will not be able to participate in the 2010 season.
According to site Momento24.com, Lopez’s father and his representative Felipe McGough have headed hastily to Europe to speak with Bernie Ecclestone in a bid to get the Argentinian driver on another team.
There have been rumours right from the off that the team wouldn’t make it to the grid, and now it is thought that USF1’s main sponsor – Chad Hurley of Youtube, has withdrawn his backing from the team due to lack of progress in development of the team’s car. Hurley is supposedly looking at moving to Campos, the other F1 newcomers who also face an uphill struggle to get to the grid.
It is reported that because Hurley has withdrawn his support, USF1 owner Peter Windsor can not afford to pay Cosworth for the engines and the American dream has therefore collapsed. This could pave the way for Stefan GP, who claim they have everything they need to race in F1, except two 2010 grid slots.
Jose Maria Lopez confirmed for USF1
Every team on the 2010 grid have secured the services of at least one driver after USF1 have today confirmed the strong rumour that Argentinean Jose Maria Lopez will drive for the Charlotte-based team in 2010.
US F1 Team Executive Vice President Peter Windsor said:
“Securing ‘Pechito’ Lopez for our debut season has been a goal of ours for a long time. We’ve been following his career since he dominated the Renault V6 Championship in 2003 and we’re thrilled to have him on board as we return America to Formula One. Lopez is a consummate professional and born leader. The most revealing thing about his character was how he handled the disappointment of not racing for Renault after three years of testing with them in F1. Instead of moping around and feeling sorry for himself, he returned to Argentina and totally dominated the local scene, winning 38 races and three championships. He became a major star as a result and, in turn, the Argentine nation – a country where F1 is second only to soccer – has got behind him.”
The 26-year-old Lopez, who has over 6000km of test experience, Italian Formula Renault and Formula Renault V6 Eurocup championships under his belt said:
“This is a truly memorable day for me, my family and the people of Argentina. I have been working towards this day for much of my life and I can’t thank Peter and Ken [Anderson] enough for this opportunity. Of course a new F1 team faces many challenges but our goal is to improve with each race and build a foundation that will eventually see this team competing for wins and championships.”
Jose Maria Lopez to drive for USF1 in 2010
Argentine driver Jose Maria Lopez is set to become a USF1 driver in 2010, according to his spokesman, who told Reuters:
“Everything has been agreed and the official announcement will be made on Monday.”
F1 debutants USF1 are the only team on the grid yet to announce any of their drivers for the 2010 season.
USF1 were originally planning a lineup including at least one American driver, but time constraints has forced them to look elsewhere.
It is thought that Lopez is being brought to USF1 as a pay driver, with a speculated eight million-dollar sponsorship package.
USF1 – The driver dilemma
As Formula 1 gets closer and closer to Bahrain, most teams are finished in terms of their driver line-up, although Campos, Renault and Toro Rosso still have to confirm their second driver. However, it seems that USF1 is in more difficulty, as it to date has not confirmed either of its drivers. Many of the current drivers are already with other teams, so it leaves the team with a dilemma: Do they get rookies, experienced or pay-drivers?
Many of the experienced drivers are already signed up for next season. However, drivers such as Pedro de la Rosa, Nick Heidfeld, Jacques Villeneuve and Alex Wurz may be willing to join. However, Peter Windsor has already said that many of these drivers are not in consideration for the posts. To be honest, this could be a big mistake. Bringing on at least one experienced driver is essential for a startup team. Lotus and Virgin have already gone down this route, and will definitely help them start off.
There are many rookies to consider, such as James Rossiter and JR Hildebrand. Hildebrand was part of the young driver testing session in December, and drove for Force India. He was in the midfield in terms of lap times, but steadily improved across the 3 days. However, Windsor has told the official F1 website that they are likely to only bring on one rookie driver. This inevitably means considering one pay driver.
The favourite for the job here is José María López, an Argentinian touring car driver, who reportedly brings $8m in sponsorship with him. He has previous F1 experience, having tested an F1 car in 2004 and 2006. However, he was dropped from the Renault young driver scheme in 2006, after showing poor form in other competitions. If he is signed, it will be certainly because of his sponsorship money.
Without an experienced driver, USF1 could be in serious trouble. The rookie drivers may not be able to prove themselves, and without a pay driver, the team may fold. The driver line-up, in my opinion, is crucial to USF1’s survival. Whether they will make it to the grid, and show us their driver line-up, we will have to wait and see.
USF1 get special dispensation to test in USA
Sporting director of the new USF1 team has revealed that the FIA has given the team special dispensation to make their debut test on home turf in America. He said:
“Because we are a new team and start everything from zero the first time we will run the car will be in the United States at the Barber Motorsport Park in Alabama, the circuit that was nominated by the FIA for us.”
Windsor said that USF1’s debut test will take place “at the beginning of February”.
He said the special dispensation allows for three tests in the US, before the car is shipped to Spain “to do some testing there before we fly out to Bahrain”.
On the subject of driver selection, Windsor continued:
“We are very close to announcing our drivers. We’ve been talking to some great racing drivers over the last couple of months — and it is very difficult choosing from the good drivers that are around.
“I think there are still a lot and the difficult thing is to choose only two out of ten that are available. It’s a difficult job and I hate having to do that. We have not signed our forward deals yet in terms of the contracts, but we are pretty near to announcing.”
USF1 could be key to open the door for F1 in America
F1 has several times tried to crack America, the last time ended in disaster. After 05 at Indianopolis and the farce of the race where most teams didn’t compete I’m surprised any fans turned up to the races in 06 and 07.
This year’s calendar seemed to be a disaster for hopes that F1 could expand into the USA, with Montreal not hosting a race.
However, that appears to be a blip along the way with Canada back for 2010 and USF1 (if successful) holds a lot of promise.
The US hasn’t had an F1 driver to cheer for since Speed and he hardly set the world alight. With a team to root for and a new base to search for fresh American talent to emulate the success of Mario Andretti, there could be a new horizon. This could eventually lead to the return of the US GP while F1 rakes in the money from the new market.
But it’s a tough task. If USF1 commit their project to America instead of basing their work in Europe then the costs of travel will shoot up. It is also a new team which has had a fair amount of doubts circling, Bernie himself not sounding too positive but they have finally shown life via Youtube. Youtube’s CEO Chad Hurley is working with the American outfit so they have a good PR machine to bolster the squad’s image.
All new teams are likely to suffer to some degree. The costs of F1 may be coming down and I seriously doubt the FIA would allow anyone on the grid who weren’t prepared to be there but F1 can be ruthless. Additionally, the cars are so close in terms of performance that one mistake could seriously leave them behind.
If USF1 folds then any chance of America getting some home team to be proud of is over. With no drivers and no team then there is no real reason why the fans should swamp to an F1 race or why the venues should pay the CVC so much to host a GP. North America’s beloved NASCAR is much more popular, successful and a true US sport. They have the IRL for open cockpits so it is of no surprise that F1 can find itself shut out of the continent so quickly.
There seems to be a good business model to crack the US-one step at a time. First Canada, a team, maybe a driver and then a race. After all of the failed attempts it is better to do this the right way rather than rush it. If F1 doesn’t tap into the American market properly in the future then it may give up all together and keep the focus on Europe and the East which have enough venues competing to hold a race.
No cause for alarm at USF1
The four new teams to enter Formula One in 2010 – USF1, Campos, Virgin/Manor and Lotus – have all been subject to a degree of scepticism over time as to how ready they will be for the challenges of the sport when the new season arrives in March. Most famously, Ferrari derided the new entrants in a press release shortly after the 2010 entry list was announced, comparing the new-look grid to “Formula 3.”
The Scuderia have climbed down from their high (and prancing, obviously) horse since then, and in the intervening months the new teams have made progress towards their F1 goals by announcing sponsors, staff appointments and drivers.
All, that is, except for USF1. Of all the new teams, we have heard the least from Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor’s Charlotte-based enterprise, which aims to attract interest in F1 in an American market dominated by NASCAR. This has fuelled speculation about the team’s future, compounded by recent statements from Bernie Ecclestone suggesting that there were doubts over whether they would make it to Bahrain.
Campos have announced Bruno Senna and are locked in negotiations with Pedro de la Rosa. Virgin have declared Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi as their 2010 drivers. And Lotus have the most experienced line-up of all, with Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen taking to the track in their cars. But on the FIA entry list, the USF1 cars are still occupied by the ominous name “TBA.” And apart from apparent interest in former GP2 driver Jose Maria Lopez, and Joe Saward’s suggestion that Ralf Schumacher’s recent contract offer could have come from USF1, there is no real indication that USF1 are any closer to signing any drivers.
However, the team’s sporting director Peter Windsor, a man of prodigous F1 experience, has finally broken the team’s silence to indicate that, surprise surprise, there is nothing to worry about and everything is on course. Windsor’s explanation – that the team have been focusing on rebuilding their factory and constructing their car, with nothing significant to report – seems convincing enough.
Windsor points out that the constant flirtation with the media of other new F1 outfits is not really necessary for any team, and that USF1 would much rather get on with the job quietly and come forth with their complete package when it is ready. In other words, “no news is good news.”
In the modern, media-driven world of F1, especially with the arrival of the Internet as a massive media force, we as fans expect almost up-to-the-minute updates on what is going on in the sport. We are all frustrated by the thought that behind the scenes, the inner gears and cogs of the sport are grinding away, and we as outsiders often have little idea of precisely what is happening.
USF1 have bucked the present trend of F1 teams, especially the new ones, in that they have been working in the background with no real cause to publicise their actions. But the argument that this means that they are somehow behind schedule makes little sense, and it would appear that the doubters will have some words to eat when March rolls around.