Formula 1: USA to Field a Team. Updated, first driver selected
#1
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Formula 1: USA to Field a Team. Updated, first driver selected
http://www.usf1.com/
Originally Posted by Autosport
An American group is looking at putting together a team to enter Formula One in 2010, sources have confirmed to autosport.com.
The team, which is set to be called USF1, will be fronted by American design engineer Ken Anderson and former Williams team manager Peter Windsor.
Although there has been no official announcement about the plans yet, nor an official entry lodged, sources suggest that their bid has been approved by rival Formula One bosses and that they are currently attempting to raise sponsorship funding for the project in America.
An official USF1 website has already been produced. Investigations by autosport.com have revealed that the website is owned by Anderson, although at this stage it only has a logo.
Anderson was technical director of Ligier in 1988 and also worked for the Onyx F1 team before moving back to America. He was technical director of both Chip Ganassi Racing and AJ Foyt Racing before designing the G-Force IRL car in 1996 - which went on to win the 1997 Indy 500 with Arie Luyendyk - and the next generation chassis in 2000. Anderson then became technical director of NASCAR team Haas CNC Racing in 2003.
He is also the part owner of the Wind Shear Inc. full scale, 180mph rolling road wind tunnel in North Carolina which has been used by F1 and NASCAR teams.
Sources indicate that USF1 plan to construct their own chassis at their North Carolina base, with the ban on in-season testing making it more feasible for an F1 team to be based outside of Europe for all but the stretch of European races between May and September.
The Formula One Teams' Association's (FOTA) recent confirmation that each manufacturer is willing to supply customer engines for 5 million Euros per season and gearboxes for 1.5 million Euros now make is more feasible than it has been for years for an independent team to enter F1 in 2010.
The team, which is set to be called USF1, will be fronted by American design engineer Ken Anderson and former Williams team manager Peter Windsor.
Although there has been no official announcement about the plans yet, nor an official entry lodged, sources suggest that their bid has been approved by rival Formula One bosses and that they are currently attempting to raise sponsorship funding for the project in America.
An official USF1 website has already been produced. Investigations by autosport.com have revealed that the website is owned by Anderson, although at this stage it only has a logo.
Anderson was technical director of Ligier in 1988 and also worked for the Onyx F1 team before moving back to America. He was technical director of both Chip Ganassi Racing and AJ Foyt Racing before designing the G-Force IRL car in 1996 - which went on to win the 1997 Indy 500 with Arie Luyendyk - and the next generation chassis in 2000. Anderson then became technical director of NASCAR team Haas CNC Racing in 2003.
He is also the part owner of the Wind Shear Inc. full scale, 180mph rolling road wind tunnel in North Carolina which has been used by F1 and NASCAR teams.
Sources indicate that USF1 plan to construct their own chassis at their North Carolina base, with the ban on in-season testing making it more feasible for an F1 team to be based outside of Europe for all but the stretch of European races between May and September.
The Formula One Teams' Association's (FOTA) recent confirmation that each manufacturer is willing to supply customer engines for 5 million Euros per season and gearboxes for 1.5 million Euros now make is more feasible than it has been for years for an independent team to enter F1 in 2010.
#2
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Sweet
#4
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Agree with Dougler. I'd wager that this team won't make it.
#6
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#7
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Good luck finding sponsors, especially American sponsors for F1, in this economy. Sponsorship is being cut across the whole sporting spectrum. I can't recall any significant major American sponsor in F1 over the last decade, so how is USF1 going to convince any company to give the $$$$$ for this project?
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#8
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Good luck finding sponsors, especially American sponsors for F1, in this economy. Sponsorship is being cut across the whole sporting spectrum. I can't recall any significant major American sponsor in F1 over the last decade, so how is USF1 going to convince any company to give the $$$$$ for this project when there isn't even a race in North America.
#10
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IF they can't even afford to have a proper website NOW at launch, whaddya think is gonna happen when they have an F1 team? Oh yeah, they WON'T that's why. Ain't gonna happen
#11
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i read in this mornings paper that they have a budget of 68 million a season, danick patrick is being considered as well as scott speed. Cant remember more details, 6am is too early ![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
and
http://en.toilef1.com/news-f1-779-Ke...USF1_team.html
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
and
Feb.9 (GMM) One of the figures reportedly central to a prospective US based formula one team has confirmed the intention of 'USF1' to contest the 2010 world championship
Ken Anderson, an American engineer involved with NASCAR and Indycar and also a F1 technical director of the 80s, told the Charlotte Observer that "95 per cent" of the unofficial information carried by websites in recent days was correct
In collaboration with British broadcaster and writer Peter Windsor, also a former F1 team manager, Anderson said they are scouting possible headquarters in North Carolina, and that a formal announcement of the team is due later in February
Anderson also said USF1 is close to signing its first driver for 2010, hinting that he is an American who is currently racing in a junior open-wheeler series in Europe
"All of the teams' sponsors want a presence here and American companies are going global," he said
He said a US based team, despite every other F1 outfit being headquartered in Europe, is possible because "90 percent of the technology that exists in F1 comes from the US anyway"
Ken Anderson, an American engineer involved with NASCAR and Indycar and also a F1 technical director of the 80s, told the Charlotte Observer that "95 per cent" of the unofficial information carried by websites in recent days was correct
In collaboration with British broadcaster and writer Peter Windsor, also a former F1 team manager, Anderson said they are scouting possible headquarters in North Carolina, and that a formal announcement of the team is due later in February
Anderson also said USF1 is close to signing its first driver for 2010, hinting that he is an American who is currently racing in a junior open-wheeler series in Europe
"All of the teams' sponsors want a presence here and American companies are going global," he said
He said a US based team, despite every other F1 outfit being headquartered in Europe, is possible because "90 percent of the technology that exists in F1 comes from the US anyway"
#12
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Patrick eyed for new American F1 teamComment Email Print Share Associated Press
MADRID -- An American team will be racing in Formula One next year, and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick is a candidate to fill one of the seats.
USF1, which will be unveiled Feb. 24, will have a staff of at least 100, a working budget of $64 million and an aim to put two American drivers on the starting grid. The team is looking at several candidates, including the 26-year-old Patrick.
Patrick
"She's great. She gets a lot of press," USF1 technical director Ken Anderson told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "[Indianapolis Motor Speedway president] Tony George would probably be pretty mad with me if I took her out of the IRL but we'll see.
"I don't know if it's something she wants to do. We'd certainly love to test her and go from there."
NASCAR driver Scott Speed, who raced 28 times for F1 team Toro Rosso from 2006-07, is also a candidate.
Conor Daly -- son of former F1 driver Derek Daly -- and Josef Newgarden are also being mentioned, with both drivers presently competing in European junior categories.
The team will be based in Charlotte, N.C., and with much of the technology coming from the United States it means "there are a lot of companies we can lean on to outsource," according to Anderson.
Calls by the AP to motor racing's governing body Sunday to confirm that USF1's entry had been accepted were not returned.
“
It's the biggest sport in the world and the biggest TV show in the world. NASCAR has just become a national sport, never mind an international sport.
”
-- USF1 technical director Ken Anderson
The team is currently looking for a secondary base in Europe, most likely sharing with Epsilon Euskadi's team headquarters in northern Spain.
"We're talking to [F1 engineer] Sergio Rinland about basing it at Espselon. It's a beautiful city, it's certainly on top of our list," said Anderson, who worked as a designer and engineer in F1 and IndyCar. "Spain makes a lot of sense with all the winter testing."
Epsilon Euskadi is active in Le Mans and there is a wind tunnel there that meets FIA standards.
Getting back into F1 was a no-brainer for Anderson.
"It's the biggest sport in the world and the biggest TV show in the world," he said. "NASCAR has just become a national sport, never mind an international sport."
With the global economic downturn, more independent teams are possible, especially since FIA president Max Mosley stepped in to reign in the costs with sweeping regulation changes and cost-cutting coming into effect to avoid any other teams from pulling out.
Honda's exit in December is no surprise to Anderson since the Japanese manufacturer's core business interests lay elsewhere.
"Mosley had to step in and stop F1 from killing itself with the manufacturers throwing ungodly money and people and resources at it. It's got to get back to a real business like Frank Williams owns Williams, Ron Dennis owns McLaren, Eddie Jordan owns Jordan and they all had to show a profit at the end of the year and, therefore, had to make intelligent decisions.
"One little hiccup like this and it's all sort of imploded."
The drop in costs has "leveled the playing field" although Anderson is targeting points to start.
Pete Windsor, a former team manager at Ferrari and Williams, will partner Anderson and run the competition side of the team.
Anderson remains a throwback to the late 80s and early 90s of F1 when he worked at Williams, Ligier and Onyx.
"In '92, the Williams was the coolest car ever with active suspension, [anti-brake system], that was kind of the peak of technology and their budget for that was less than 30 million pounds," Anderson said. "I missed the days when we could do some crazy things."
MADRID -- An American team will be racing in Formula One next year, and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick is a candidate to fill one of the seats.
USF1, which will be unveiled Feb. 24, will have a staff of at least 100, a working budget of $64 million and an aim to put two American drivers on the starting grid. The team is looking at several candidates, including the 26-year-old Patrick.
Patrick
"She's great. She gets a lot of press," USF1 technical director Ken Anderson told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "[Indianapolis Motor Speedway president] Tony George would probably be pretty mad with me if I took her out of the IRL but we'll see.
"I don't know if it's something she wants to do. We'd certainly love to test her and go from there."
NASCAR driver Scott Speed, who raced 28 times for F1 team Toro Rosso from 2006-07, is also a candidate.
Conor Daly -- son of former F1 driver Derek Daly -- and Josef Newgarden are also being mentioned, with both drivers presently competing in European junior categories.
The team will be based in Charlotte, N.C., and with much of the technology coming from the United States it means "there are a lot of companies we can lean on to outsource," according to Anderson.
Calls by the AP to motor racing's governing body Sunday to confirm that USF1's entry had been accepted were not returned.
“
It's the biggest sport in the world and the biggest TV show in the world. NASCAR has just become a national sport, never mind an international sport.
”
-- USF1 technical director Ken Anderson
The team is currently looking for a secondary base in Europe, most likely sharing with Epsilon Euskadi's team headquarters in northern Spain.
"We're talking to [F1 engineer] Sergio Rinland about basing it at Espselon. It's a beautiful city, it's certainly on top of our list," said Anderson, who worked as a designer and engineer in F1 and IndyCar. "Spain makes a lot of sense with all the winter testing."
Epsilon Euskadi is active in Le Mans and there is a wind tunnel there that meets FIA standards.
Getting back into F1 was a no-brainer for Anderson.
"It's the biggest sport in the world and the biggest TV show in the world," he said. "NASCAR has just become a national sport, never mind an international sport."
With the global economic downturn, more independent teams are possible, especially since FIA president Max Mosley stepped in to reign in the costs with sweeping regulation changes and cost-cutting coming into effect to avoid any other teams from pulling out.
Honda's exit in December is no surprise to Anderson since the Japanese manufacturer's core business interests lay elsewhere.
"Mosley had to step in and stop F1 from killing itself with the manufacturers throwing ungodly money and people and resources at it. It's got to get back to a real business like Frank Williams owns Williams, Ron Dennis owns McLaren, Eddie Jordan owns Jordan and they all had to show a profit at the end of the year and, therefore, had to make intelligent decisions.
"One little hiccup like this and it's all sort of imploded."
The drop in costs has "leveled the playing field" although Anderson is targeting points to start.
Pete Windsor, a former team manager at Ferrari and Williams, will partner Anderson and run the competition side of the team.
Anderson remains a throwback to the late 80s and early 90s of F1 when he worked at Williams, Ligier and Onyx.
"In '92, the Williams was the coolest car ever with active suspension, [anti-brake system], that was kind of the peak of technology and their budget for that was less than 30 million pounds," Anderson said. "I missed the days when we could do some crazy things."
#13
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Im sorry, as much as i love to route for her in indy series i dont think she has any where near the talent needed for F1.
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#15
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Danica Patrick???
![rofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
#16
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Good at driving around in circles doesn't always translate to good results in F1.
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A.J. Allmindinger's name came up as a possible driver for this team during the NASCAR coverage today.
I don't know how you evaluate US talent and/or potential in F1. There is nothing comparable here.
But Danica Patrick and/or A.J. Allmendinger? This is the best we've got?
I don't know how you evaluate US talent and/or potential in F1. There is nothing comparable here.
But Danica Patrick and/or A.J. Allmendinger? This is the best we've got?
#18
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Allmindinger has some potential, as he demonstrated a few years ago with Forsythe.
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A.J. Allmindinger's name came up as a possible driver for this team during the NASCAR coverage today.
I don't know how you evaluate US talent and/or potential in F1. There is nothing comparable here.
But Danica Patrick and/or A.J. Allmendinger? This is the best we've got?
I don't know how you evaluate US talent and/or potential in F1. There is nothing comparable here.
But Danica Patrick and/or A.J. Allmendinger? This is the best we've got?
![Ponder](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/ponder.gif)
#22
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Cliffs on the press conference?
#24
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Nothing is a go. I just read the transcript on Speed. There were no details given at all. Where exactly is the funding coming from? As of now, it's just wishfull thinking. Not saying that their plan isn't going to work, but nothing from the press conference showed anything concrete.
Cliffs from Speed:
Cliffs from Speed:
• USF1 will be based in Charlotte, likely on the north side of town, very near SPEED’s headquarters. The facility will employ more than 100 people and will be modeled after modern NASCAR team shops, which allow fans to visit and watch cars being constructed. Windsor specifically mentioned Michael Waltrip Racing’s Raceworld USA facility in nearby Cornelius, N.C., as a shop he admired. The new USF1 headquarters also will have its own on-site television studio.
And it will be a facility that relies heavily on outside vendors in the motorsports-rich MetroCharlotte area and less on enormous budgets and lavish trappings. “For those of them out there who say, ‘Where’s all the money? Where’s the huge facility? Where’s the money falling out of the sky?’ That isn’t ever going to happen with USF1,” said Windsor. “We’ve always had a very different approach, and that approach will become evident as time goes on and this year unfolds.”
• The team intends to sign two American drivers. A variety of names were mentioned by Windsor and Anderson, including Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick and Scott Speed.
• USF1 will buy engines from another team, to be identified later. USF1 is essentially putting out an RFP for engines, looking for an appropriate supplier among the existing competitors.
• The team has four investors who own a minority share in the operation. Neither the amount they own, nor the identities of the investors were disclosed. Sponsors were not identified, either.
• USF1 will have a European satellite facility where it houses its transporters and other equipment, but the true base of operations will be in Charlotte.
• The team plans to race full-time in Formula 1 in 2010, and hopes to be in a position to finish in the points with some regularity by the following season. “After that, the sky’s the limit,” said Windsor.
And it will be a facility that relies heavily on outside vendors in the motorsports-rich MetroCharlotte area and less on enormous budgets and lavish trappings. “For those of them out there who say, ‘Where’s all the money? Where’s the huge facility? Where’s the money falling out of the sky?’ That isn’t ever going to happen with USF1,” said Windsor. “We’ve always had a very different approach, and that approach will become evident as time goes on and this year unfolds.”
• The team intends to sign two American drivers. A variety of names were mentioned by Windsor and Anderson, including Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick and Scott Speed.
• USF1 will buy engines from another team, to be identified later. USF1 is essentially putting out an RFP for engines, looking for an appropriate supplier among the existing competitors.
• The team has four investors who own a minority share in the operation. Neither the amount they own, nor the identities of the investors were disclosed. Sponsors were not identified, either.
• USF1 will have a European satellite facility where it houses its transporters and other equipment, but the true base of operations will be in Charlotte.
• The team plans to race full-time in Formula 1 in 2010, and hopes to be in a position to finish in the points with some regularity by the following season. “After that, the sky’s the limit,” said Windsor.
#25
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they said they have secured enough funding under the new FIA rules which "dramatically" reduces team costs, only reason they can get in. They also have the support of almost everyone involved in F1, dont see how you think this isnt happening
unless they are full of shit
![Scratch](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/scratch.gif)
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#26
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they said they have secured enough funding under the new FIA rules which "dramatically" reduces team costs, only reason they can get in. They also have the support of almost everyone involved in F1, dont see how you think this isnt happening
unless they are full of shit ![Ponder](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/ponder.gif)
![Scratch](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/scratch.gif)
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How many teams have announced their intention to race in F1 over the years but never made it? Teams like DAMS and Dome even built their F1 cars, but didn't make it. And those are real teams, with actual employees and experience.
#27
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The USF1 team has got off to a troublesome start with Formula One Management objecting to the use of "F1", which it claims to own. The Formula One group likes to put TM signs on all mentions but this means little more than the fact that the trademark has been applied for, and even have been refused.
The group continues to try to win control of the trademaark despite several rulings stating this is impossible. The group has registered the flying F1 logo and the FIA did get a registered trademark which was for "FIA Formula One World Championship". This is why Formula One is used in official communications rather than Formula 1. Unfortunately, the situation is further confused as Formulaone.com is not owned by Formula One Management but rather by a US company that manufactures windscreen tinting films. Oddly enough Formula ONE is a registered trademark.
Whatever the case USF1 has been asked to change its name and as Tony George is believed to own the rights the term USGP, it has been re-registered as US GP Engineering.
The group continues to try to win control of the trademaark despite several rulings stating this is impossible. The group has registered the flying F1 logo and the FIA did get a registered trademark which was for "FIA Formula One World Championship". This is why Formula One is used in official communications rather than Formula 1. Unfortunately, the situation is further confused as Formulaone.com is not owned by Formula One Management but rather by a US company that manufactures windscreen tinting films. Oddly enough Formula ONE is a registered trademark.
Whatever the case USF1 has been asked to change its name and as Tony George is believed to own the rights the term USGP, it has been re-registered as US GP Engineering.
#28
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http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77778
YouTube co-founder backs Team US F1
By Jonathan Noble and Dieter Rencken Wednesday, August 19th 2009, 21:00 GMT
The new Team US F1 has pulled off a major coup by securing the services of YouTube co-founder and CEO Chad Hurley for its 2010 assault on grand prix racing, as AUTOSPORT predicted.
Following weeks of speculation linking Hurley with the operation, the Charlotte-based F1 team confirmed on Wednesday night that the millionaire will be the outfit's primary investor.
Speaking about the announcement, Hurley said: "I am thrilled to be a part of America's first Formula 1 team in more than 40 years.
"Getting in on the ground floor of a project of this size and scope is a tremendous opportunity, and I look forward to helping shape the US F1 vision and corporate strategy for years to come."
Hurley was one of the original founders of the video-sharing website YouTube, and has helped take it from its original concept to the huge global brand it is today. The business was sold to Google for $1.65 billion (USD) in 2006, although Hurley stayed on board to guide it.
As well as his financial input, US F1 has said that Hurley will bring his outside experience to the team to help with its corporate strategy and media planning going forward.
US F1 team principal Ken Anderson said: "Chad's addition to the team is a victory for USF1. Bringing in a businessman with his level of credentials, and experience in developing and fostering a vision for start-up companies, is an honour, and we look forward to taking on the Formula 1 challenge together in 2010 and beyond."
Sporting director Peter Windsor added: "This is a great day for USF1. Chad's commitment to this team is vital and his visionary expertise and leadership will help steer us into the future as we look to attract best-in-class sponsors, drivers, employees and fans in our quest to compete at the highest level of motorsports."
US F1's announcement about Hurley means that it is the first of the three new teams to confirm it has major investment on board, although AUTOSPORT understands that Manor Grand Prix has signed a deal with Virgin for a title sponsorship deal that will be announced in mid-November.
By Jonathan Noble and Dieter Rencken Wednesday, August 19th 2009, 21:00 GMT
The new Team US F1 has pulled off a major coup by securing the services of YouTube co-founder and CEO Chad Hurley for its 2010 assault on grand prix racing, as AUTOSPORT predicted.
Following weeks of speculation linking Hurley with the operation, the Charlotte-based F1 team confirmed on Wednesday night that the millionaire will be the outfit's primary investor.
Speaking about the announcement, Hurley said: "I am thrilled to be a part of America's first Formula 1 team in more than 40 years.
"Getting in on the ground floor of a project of this size and scope is a tremendous opportunity, and I look forward to helping shape the US F1 vision and corporate strategy for years to come."
Hurley was one of the original founders of the video-sharing website YouTube, and has helped take it from its original concept to the huge global brand it is today. The business was sold to Google for $1.65 billion (USD) in 2006, although Hurley stayed on board to guide it.
As well as his financial input, US F1 has said that Hurley will bring his outside experience to the team to help with its corporate strategy and media planning going forward.
US F1 team principal Ken Anderson said: "Chad's addition to the team is a victory for USF1. Bringing in a businessman with his level of credentials, and experience in developing and fostering a vision for start-up companies, is an honour, and we look forward to taking on the Formula 1 challenge together in 2010 and beyond."
Sporting director Peter Windsor added: "This is a great day for USF1. Chad's commitment to this team is vital and his visionary expertise and leadership will help steer us into the future as we look to attract best-in-class sponsors, drivers, employees and fans in our quest to compete at the highest level of motorsports."
US F1's announcement about Hurley means that it is the first of the three new teams to confirm it has major investment on board, although AUTOSPORT understands that Manor Grand Prix has signed a deal with Virgin for a title sponsorship deal that will be announced in mid-November.
#29
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^^ That's some serious $$$ behind US F1
#30
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![Stupid](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/imwithstupid.gif)
Now all we need is a great car, great team and great drivers.
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Kubica is a great thought and the first that came to my mind BUT I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up at McLaren in Heikki's seat or in a Renault (which will probably have 2 seats available).
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I guess those teams would have a better chance of landing his contract, but with google/youtube ($$$) backing US Engineering (instead of USF1 as speculated), the team could offer a nice salary to entice him to sign with them... just a thought...
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Money would be nice but I still think the big established teams have a better shot b/c underneath it all, Kubica's still a racer and he wants nothing more than to WIN.
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Hmmmmm, good point ^
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#40
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http://formula-one.speedtv.com/artic...t-2010-season/
I'd love to see Loeb get a chance in F1, but I don't think this is going to work out.
Ultra-successful world rally driver Sebastien Loeb has reportedly made an approach to the new-for-2010 formula one team USF1.
"Somebody representing Loeb called us but I won't give details of the conversation," sporting director Peter Windsor is quoted as telling the French sports daily L'Equipe.
Ever since Loeb, 35, tested Red Bull's F1 car over the winter, his rising interest in a more serious foray has been rumored, including recently putting his name forward as Sebastien Bourdais' Toro Rosso replacement.
Windsor added: "He is an incredible talent and he would definitely make things interesting in F1. We are looking more on the American side but are going to take him seriously."
Loeb also confirmed the USF1 approach to L'Equipe.
"I wanted to know if a team was really interested in me for F1. Someone contacted this new team but I don't know what happened.
"I am enjoying myself in the WRC and am on the verge of extending my contract with Citroen. But if I get the opportunity to do a couple of races in 2010 when the calendars don't clash then why not?" the Frenchman added.
"Somebody representing Loeb called us but I won't give details of the conversation," sporting director Peter Windsor is quoted as telling the French sports daily L'Equipe.
Ever since Loeb, 35, tested Red Bull's F1 car over the winter, his rising interest in a more serious foray has been rumored, including recently putting his name forward as Sebastien Bourdais' Toro Rosso replacement.
Windsor added: "He is an incredible talent and he would definitely make things interesting in F1. We are looking more on the American side but are going to take him seriously."
Loeb also confirmed the USF1 approach to L'Equipe.
"I wanted to know if a team was really interested in me for F1. Someone contacted this new team but I don't know what happened.
"I am enjoying myself in the WRC and am on the verge of extending my contract with Citroen. But if I get the opportunity to do a couple of races in 2010 when the calendars don't clash then why not?" the Frenchman added.