Prodrive does not want to abdicate

David Richards, the head of Prodrive, insists that he remains as motivated as ever to have his F1 team on a starting grid in the future. This comes after resigning himself to the idea of not participating in the 2008 season.

Richards had reached an agreement with McLaren-Mercedes to equip Prodrive cars for 2008 along with sponsorship. However, his plans could not materialize due to the threat of legal action from the Williams team.

However, despite the disappointment of having to drop his plans, Richard keeps an eye on F1 development projects to see whether or not Prodrive can redouble its efforts in the future.

He is waiting to see if a new agreement will be able to clarify the legal situation surrounding the car outfitting conditions and ultimately enable him to move forward with an entry into F1.

« We need to see what the new agreement will say, » Richards stated this week on Autosport.

« I still believe that Prodrive is destined to become a player in F1. The assumptions that determine our entry have changed dramatically and everyone recognizes this situation today. »

« If we cannot enter this base, so be it, but we need to know what the new agreement says, » he continued.

« If the latter requires you to be a builder, then we must understand the definition of a builder: For example, how many common components can be allowed in order to determine what resources we need to achieve our objectives. »

Richards examines various possibilities to enter F1 in 2009, but uncertainties remain as to whether the entry conditions the team might benefit from in 2009 will still be valid for the following years.

He added: « We have the possibility of an entry for next year, and I am in full discussion with the FIA regarding the status that will be necessary for that. But it all depends on the nature of the new agreement, » concluded David Richards.