- 28 Nov 09, 00:05#172354
Stefan GP still seeking 2010 grid slot
By Jonathan Noble Friday, November 27th 2009, 17:02 GMT
Stefan Grand Prix, the Serbian team that is seeking a move into Formula 1, says it is still looking at opportunities to make it onto the grid next year - despite dismissing talk that it is about to buy Toyota's F1 entry.
The fate of Toyota's slot on the grid remains uncertain, with the FIA having sought clarification from the Japanese manufacturer about its legal position in relation to the entry it committed itself to until 2012.
AUTOSPORT understands that the matter is due to be discussed at the next Formula 1 Commission meeting in Monaco in early December, with the final 2010 F1 entry list due to be published after next month's FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting.
Sauber is still waiting on the sidelines to take Toyota's slot should the FIA confirm that the Japanese manufacturer's position is vacant – and the team's hopes appear to have been boosted with Peter Sauber having taken over the Swiss based outfit today following the collapse of a proposed deal with Qadbak.
However, the 13th team slot situation appeared to have got more complicated over the past few days with rumours emerging that the Cologne-based team's entry had been sold to Stefan GP.
However, Stefan GP's chief Zoran Stefanovich has made it clear that there is no truth to the speculation linking his outfit with Toyota's actual entry – even though his outfit could yet make use of Toyota's 2010 car design for its own plans.
"There is no entry for them [Toyota]," Stefanovich told AUTOSPORT. "We are in the process of evaluating our own plans for next year. We did some sort of agreement with them [Toyota], to take over the F1 project, but I cannot discuss the details at present."
Stefanovich says his team is in a state of readiness to make the move to F1 as early as next year – and is looking at any opportunities that can help his outfit achieve that feat.
"We have a complete facility and we have what is required to start testing immediately," he explained. "There is no question about this.
"There is no reason not to believe that we can do it – and in fact the situation seems to be quite the opposite. F1 will be glad to have a team from this area of the world, as currently its only representation is with the Hungarian Grand Prix. We are on stand-by."
The cheat guy?
