Prodrive will not participate in F1 races in 2008

Prodrive will not enter F1 next season. This information arises as many legal uncertainties still hover over the future single-seaters.

The company based in Banbury had hoped to enter F1 in 2008 in collaboration with McLaren-Mercedes, but these plans were put on hold when Williams threatened legal action.

A resolution to the problem is not on the agenda, especially since negotiations to develop a new convention are still ongoing. Prodrive has now admitted that their hopes of entering F1 next year were nil.

In a statement released by the team on Friday, the team made it clear that it is convinced it will participate in an F1 race one day, but stated that it will not be next season.

« Prodrive has always been committed to racing in F1 with what is now known as a customer car, that is, a single-seater that, in terms of concept, engine, and chassis, largely comes from another team, » the statement declares.

« It is well known that our arrival was made on this basis and that our entire economic model is based on this principle. »

Over the past 18 months, we have made considerable efforts to secure an agreement for the supply of vehicles and engines from McLaren Mercedes, as well as financial support from a new partner in this field.

« It is therefore particularly disappointing that at the last minute, a legal issue prevents our entry, when our plans have been known to the public for over a year. »

« This legal challenge and the persistence of delays affecting the new agreement represent a fundamental change of circumstances, so we must now be realistic and rule out the possibility that Prodrive will be on the grid in 2008. »

Our ambition is still to write a page in the history of F1, and we hope that a new agreement between the FIA, the FOA, and the teams will emerge to provide clarity on the conditions under which collaboration between teams can be possible.

« When this new agreement is reached, we will be able to participate in our first Grand Prix and hope for a better future. »