He says he's bought their entry - the FIA disagree Don't shoot the messenger - its in Autosport so it must be true.... http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/82250
The poison pill -- "the FIA is poised to begin disciplinary action against US F1 for its failure to make the grid - which could theoretically result in Stefanovic's company getting dragged into any penalties that are eventually handed down if he owns the American team. A statement issued by the FIA after the most recent World Motor Sport Council meeting said: "With regard to the US F1 team's non-participation in the 2010 championship, the World Council mandated the FIA President, in full compliance with the new code of practice for disciplinary matters, to take forward the most appropriate action."
Could be possible but I doubt they will fine new investors in F1 (if Stefan GP buys USF1); that would be just plain stupid.
Buying USF1 at this time would be about the worst business decision one could make. The FIA has already told USF1 that they do not have a spot next year but can apply like everyone else. Stefan bought a useless asset. He bought a team with no place to race and a car that doesn't exist. Mark
You're right, I'm just hoping that Todt's FIA will be different. You've got an "extra spot" on the grid, why not give it to a viable contender? At least these guys have cajones!
They really want it bad!!! but it woud be a disastrous business I think... They should gather strengths and make a good impression for the 2011 selection. They have some work already done...they should work on it... to secure their place for next year. I think they might start with some advantage over the other contenders
Having Mike Coughlan for chief designer won't gain any favour with LdM but Bernie probably sees things differently... CH
It's ironic that USF1 got so many changes but couldn't get there with a car. And StefanGP is right there with a car itching to race, but can't get a chance. I'm not sure who I blame here, but it reminds me of Indy in 2005... seemed like egos got in the way of what was best for the fans and the sport.
VERY CLEVER! Bernie is much more clever than we usually give him credit for. Stefan will have to pay through the nose, money they would not otherwise spend. They've got too much money already sunk into the project to pull the plug. There's NO way they can kill the project in front of their investors that have sunk money into the project. They'd get lynched. Bernie's got 'em by the you-know-whats. He can squeeze and demand any amount he thinks he can get and everyone knows it. It is just like last year when Ferrari held all the high cards in the showdown and Bernie had to fold... Bernie did not get where he is without a very sharp and shrewd brain. He is very good at reading situations and thinking through the implications. This is his primary asset and gift. I am NOT a Bernie fan, but I respect some of the man's strengths... Frank
He doesn't seem to get the message. Muppet! (Zoran Stefanovic not you Remy!). The FIA have made it clear that they have no interest in having Stefan GP on the grid in any way shape or form. They've also made it clear that USF1 have lost their place on the 2010 F1 grid by not being ready on time and are not guaranteed a place in 2011. +1. I have to say though that from USF1's point of view, this is one of the smartest decisions they've made! (actually it's probably the only smart decision they've made!). Because Stefan GP have gone about trying to get into F1 in all the wrong ways. First they lost out in the selection process so tried to use the law to force their way in. They realised that this tactic wasn't going to work so dropped the lawsuit hoping to get on the right side of the FIA. Next, they were offering to help teams circumnavigate the testing ban with the use of their Toyotas during the season (which was never going to impress the FIA). Then they were having a tantrum, demanding that the FIA should allow them in. Now they think they've found a way in through the back door. Problem is, the back doors been closed, locked and triple bolted. By the way, what is the desperate need to fill the "extra spot" on the grid?. We've already got more teams on the grid this year than the previous year and I didn't hear anyone complaining that there weren't enough cars on the grid in 2009.
Depends. I'll bet it was sold for a pittance of what Team Vulture would have paid prior to Bahrain....
I really do not think you can put all of the blame on the FIA. I believe that Ferrari has enough pull with both the FIA and BE to quash any entrant they do not want to see racing F1. If the FIA approved SGP, that would be a slap in LDM's face. Which is actually a very good idea. But then you'd have Coughlin, in the same category as Alonso, so maybe its better there may not be a SGP/USF1. Besides, what exactly would Stephan get for his money if buying USF1? A new home in Charlotte?
I honestly don't think it's got much to do with Ferrari not wanting Stefan GP to race. I'm convinced that they've upset the FIA too much, directly, with all their actions. As for " what exactly would Stephan get for his money if buying USF1? A new home in Charlotte?". He thought he was buying the one thing he truly wants, an F1 entry but he's left it too late and it appears that the new home in Charlotte is all he's going to get.
I have to think that there is something about Stefan, beyond what has been made public, that makes them so unpalatable to the FIA.
Zoran's AMCO Engineering company approached Toyota (Who needed an out from Concorde Agreement.) about an F1 asset acquisition based on AMCO's credentials as an aerospace defense contractor. These credentials later proved to be bogus. I would like to see another team in the mix but the FIA could be seeing shades of BMW/Qadbak.
