Formula One news

Racing Engineering hoping to enter F1 in 2011

As of next season it should become easier for other teams to enter Formula 1 with a new team. One of the GP2 teams showing its interest to move up one level is Racing Engineering, owned by Spanish business man Alfonso de Orleans. He is keen to enter the sport as of 2011 he told GPUpdate.net in an exclusive interview.

The Racing Engineering team claimed the GP2 series title last season with Giorgio Pantano. The Spanish team, who is based near Jerez, is keen to enter Formula 1 in 2011. "We don't think that most teams will be ready for the 2010 season, so we are aiming for 2011. If there are no slots left for us at that time, so be it. There are other interesting projects we are looking at as an alternative. But we either do things right, or not at all," De Orleans told GPUpdate.net. "Only a team like Prodrive and maybe Lola could make it on the grid with a serious team. I think that the others would have a very hard time running a proper operation. Some of the GP2 teams could squeeze by, but there is a lot of work ahead if they really want to be even slightly competitive."

It could be possible that De Orleans would miss out on an entry when the grid is full with 13 teams but that doesn't make him want to enter the sport any earlier than 2011. "We will have to see. But even if there is a full grid next year, will all the teams be there for the following season? Besides, there is still no definite rule on the price cap as of today, so who knows what it will cost," he said.

The team will most likely enter the sport with its own team, even though the option is still open to purchase an other team. "We will look at both, but as of today, since we already have 90% of what is required to run an F1 team, we don't think that buying a team is the best option. Don't forget, there is an enormous amount of skilled personnel looking to get back into F1 these days. We will definitely take advantage of this."

more news

• 28 Nov.
  • Lola ready to enter Formula 1
  • Raikkonen close to Citroen WRC deal
  • Tung looking for 'useful' test
• 27 Nov.
  • Montreal seals Formula One contract
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation

Homepage