NO SOUP FOR YOU! Prodrive-McLaren deal cancelled
If you've got your money on Prodrive making an unprecedented F1 debut next season, we'd recommend calling your bookie and changing your bet. The British racing consultancy was preparing to hit the grand prix circuit using equipment obtained through a deal with McLaren, but the agreement that was all but dotted and crossed has reportedly fallen apart.
Neither Prodrive nor McLaren have yet to comment, but according to Autosport.com, the deal is off. As we'd reported previously, Prodrive were to become an effective second McLaren team by using the same chassis next season, but that all depends on the FIA Court of Appeal's ruling on the legality of such an arrangement. That procedure was, according to Prodrive chief David Richards – also chairman of Aston Martin and former lyteam principal at first Benetton and then BAR-Honda – was the last obstacle standing between the new team and its fight for podiums in 2008. It would appear, however, that McLaren is less than confident that the regulatory body will rubber-stamp the customer-car deal, as they've reportedly told their employees not to prepare the additional Prodrive cars.
Mad props to our reader andybee for the tip!
[Source: Autosport]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
tankd0g 7:39PM (10/09/2007)
The "F" in FIA stands for Ferrari. Frequently.
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epp_b 11:21PM (10/09/2007)
No kidding. Ferrari can supply engines to half the cars on the field, Honda can supply their chassis to Spyker, but McLaren can't deal at all?
The FedEx Man 6:16PM (10/10/2007)
Super Aguri, not Spyker
Solo Racer 1:03AM (10/10/2007)
"Honda can supply their chassis to Spyker,"
You mean to Super Aguri. It's Spyker that has filed the complaint with the FIA.
I'd really like to see Prodrive F1, but I don't like the idea of customer cars. Might as well not have a constructor's championship. Spec engine computers, nearly spec tires, fewer chassis makers soon enough; might as well rename it Champ Car.
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hashiryu 1:29AM (10/10/2007)
my point exactly
Kelvin 1:49AM (10/11/2007)
Well, be at ease as at least the Aguri chassis is a year older than the current Honda chassis.
At the very least.
Reply