2011: Durango wants to join the dance

Since the end of the USF1 venture, the 13th spot for a team in F1 is available. The FIA has therefore decided to review the various applications that will be submitted before April 15. The process will see a team take this open spot, while a reserve team will also be chosen.

An official announcement will be made in July.

It is in this context that Durango, the former GP2 team, announced its bid to enter F1 next season. They intend to seize their chance despite serious competition: StefanGP, Prodrive, and possibly the defunct USF1.

The Italian team founded in 1980 sports azure and gold colors, it has extensive experience in single-seater racing (Formula 3, Formula 2, GP2, and GP2 Asia…) but also in other disciplines: 24h of Le Mans, Speedcar (Jacques Villeneuve is the official driver). Karun Chandhok (HRT) and Luca Di Grassi (Virgin Racing) are former drivers of the team. Last year, it was this team that allowed Nelson Panciatici, the young French hopeful, to race sixteen times in the team’s Dallara-Mecachrome.

At the end of 2009, Durango ceased its GP2 activities due to financial problems. Ivone Pinton, the team owner and founder, managed to find new investors. Together, they prefer to work on an F1 program rather than returning to lower categories.

After all the bad things and events of last season, we did our best to find new partners in our motor racing activities… It didn’t take long to understand that the primary and sole interest is Formula 1. We pushed in that direction, and I can say that, to enter F1, we can now enjoy the support of two very large international companies, says Pinton.

He adds:

« Thus, even while keeping my feet on the ground as they say in Italy, because, so far, it is just a serious attempt, I like to consider that, after so many years devoted to pushing young drivers to become future champions, now the time has come to give everything so that Durango reaches the pinnacle of motorsport. »

If F1 does not open up for the small Italian team, Ivone Pinton is well aware of the saying that one should always cover their bases. Indeed, Durango has still registered its name in the new competition called AutoGP.