Peter Windsor has admitted USF1 should have considered racing Toyota’s 2010 package this season rather than close its doors.

A principal of the ill-fated American outfit, British journalist Windsor has resurfaced as a new writer for the online F1 magazine GP Week.

He was asked in an interview if he regretted not pursuing the Toyota option more seriously once the Charlotte-based team’s plans for its own chassis began to founder.

“Yes, it would have been better than doing nothing at all, in retrospect,” said the former Williams and Ferrari team manager.

“One of the problems was that it wasn’t just the chassis on offer; the Toyota engine deal was an integral part of the package,” explained Windsor. “And by that stage, of course, we were contracted to Cosworth.”

The USF1 debacle has been heavily criticised, particularly for damaging F1′s chances of prospering within the US, an important but difficult market for the sport to penetrate.

And Prodrive’s David Richards this week said all of F1′s struggling new teams have “prejudiced” other hopeful outfits’ efforts to enter the sport.

Windsor responded on his Twitter page: “David Richards harmed fund-raising prospects for F1 in general when he walked away from his franchise (in 2008) with hardly a word”.

It is possible that formula one’s 13th and final team place for 2011 will not be filled.

It has emerged that Villeneuve Racing/Durango, Epsilon Euskadi and Stefan GP are all vying for the grid berth, but Italy’s 422race.com indicates that the FIA could actually leave the position vacant.

The website said the decision “will be down to money”, with the successful team needing to provide “an economic guarantee”.

It emerged a few days ago that Bernie Ecclestone wants a 16 million British pound deposit from the 13th team.

That deposit could be avoided, however, if the new team buys one of the existing teams, with the F1 chief executive admitting he is “not happy” with the performance of some of this year’s new outfits.

Autosprint magazine in Italy said Ecclestone’s attitude about the 13th team has been hardened by “the USF1 experience”.

It is now expected that the FIA’s decision about the 13th team place will not be made until late August.

Defunct USF1 has been fined EUR 309,000 and barred from ever competing in formula one.

The American outfit, headed by principals Ken Anderson and journalist Peter Windsor, was granted an entry for the 2010 season but failed to appear.

USF1 has since liquidated its assets, and the sport’s governing body joined the list of creditors with a decision made public on Thursday.

A fine “equivalent to the entry fees for the championship” has been imposed, while USF1 is “definitely” excluded from “any competition” for breaching the sporting regulations and the international sporting code.

In a detailed verdict, the FIA said that because USF1 has no “current financial liquidity”, the fine is effectively the forfeiture of the fee already paid.

But USF1 has also been ordered to pay “the costs incurred by the FIA within the context of this disciplinary procedure”.

The FIA revealed that, during the hearing, USF1 claimed that due to “many negative press comments”, the team’s “sponsorship climate deteriorated after last Christmas.

Bernie Ecclestone’s statement in September last year that “possible USF1 are a doubt” was submitted as evidence, but the FIA retorted that USF1 could have countered the statement had the team’s “funding, sponsorship and construction processes been on target”.

USF1 even argued that negative media coverage amounted to ‘force majeure’, but the FIA procedure ruled there was “no evidence” of that.

(GMM)

Pirelli on Wednesday is tipped to finally be approved as formula one’s new tyre supplier for 2011.

With the teams’ FOTA group signing a letter of intent to be supplied by the Italian brand, and contracts having apparently also been signed with Bernie Ecclestone, the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council is set to meet in Geneva.

Media reports, including by Italy’s Autosprint, claim one outcome of the meeting could be the announcement of a three-year official supply deal for Pirelli.

FIA president Jean Todt recently appeared keener on seeing Michelin return to formula one, but after a meeting in Paris is believed to have now approved the Pirelli deal.

It is also believed the possibility of disciplinary action against the failed 2010 team USF1 will be decided in Geneva on Wednesday.

(GMM)

Jun.18 (GMM)  Another team reportedly in the running to become F1′s 13th team in 2011 is Carlin.

Headed by former Jordan boss Trevor Carlin, the outfit is the most successful in the history of British F3, and also races in GP3 and the Renault World Series.

Since 2007, Carlin has been based at Brabham’s old F1 factory in Surrey, featuring a wind tunnel, and late last year the team was bought by Grahame Chilton.

Finland’s Turun Sanomat said the team, alongside Epsilon Euskadi and ART, is in the running for the 2011 spot made vacant by the demise of USF1.

Jun.17 (GMM) The auction of the abortive formula one team USF1′s assets has raised $1.4 million.

With a queue of creditors to pay off, the entire contents of the American outfit’s Charlotte headquarters went under the hammer.

Among the 427 lots – including bins, computers, tools, a vacuum cleaner, a forklift, a barbeque, a wheel and a bottle of champagne – was a carbon fibre mock-up of the unraced chassis, which sold for $7,850.

After the project is USF1 is finally broken the 13 Launch site for 2011 at stake. Several teams have applied to participate in Formula 1 next year. In addition to the successful GP2 team ART by Frédéric Vasseur and Nicolas Todt also Joan Villadelprat has applied again with his Epsilon-Euskadi team.

“I’m optimistic, but also a bit worried, because the FIA will publish its decision until probably the end of August,” says the former Benetton team manager in the magazine ‘Auto Sprint’. The Spaniard has claimed a good chance of being awarded. Epsilon-Euskadi has experience in prototyping, the company is as a showcase with a direct connection to the university. Sergio is ready Rinland an experienced Formula 1 designer.
“That team, which gets the award, has only very little time for the construction of Formula 1 cars,” criticized Villadelprat. “For us, this means that we now have to invest in a project that we do not even know whether we can realize it 2011.” The funding would seem to Epsilon Euskadi not be a big problem.

“We have been a very long time in intensive discussions with major international companies wishing to invest in us,” reports the team boss. “In two weeks we have accurate numbers, and then know how much money we can take control. One thing is certain: Our approach is long term. The budget must from the outset for at least two seasons to be sure. As a Formula 1 team you can not think from year to year. ”

With interest Villadelprat pursued the development of three new teams, Lotus, Virgin and HRT. In particular, the team of Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi’s view of the Spaniard is underfunded. have “I think if you really want to build a promising team, then you have to start at least 100 million euros. Sure, you can ride with 40 million €. But then, stay out of the progress every year and you may start over again .

(TMS)

USF1 will not launch a renewed bid to debut in formula one in 2011.

The American team failed to be ready for its 2010 debut, but the recently quiet principals Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor had reportedly not ruled out trying to secure the final 13th berth on next year’s grid.

The news emerged by way of a statement issued by engine supplier Cosworth, who said its contract with USF1 has been terminated.

Cosworth said it has taken the action “following the (USF1) team’s decision to liquidate its assets as notified by its announcement to creditors dated 19 May 2010″.

Cosworth said that until USF1 decided to liquidate, the British marque had supported the team “over the last few months” in preparing for “a proposed entry for the 2011 season”.

The statement added: “Cosworth is a significant creditor of USF1, and will therefore join the other creditors of the team in seeking settlement of outstanding debts from the managed disposal of the remaining assets of the team.”

No less than 15 teams have applied for the final place on the 2011 formula one grid.

Italian website 422race.com reports that the governing FIA has now written to all those who expressed interest in the place made vacant by the demise of USF1.

June 21 has been set as the deadline for the teams’ actual application and dossier, at which time EUR12,750 must be paid.

The frontrunners must be successful GP2 team ART, headed by FIA president Jean Todt’s son Nicolas, and the Spanish Le Mans competitor Epsilon Euskadi.

422race.com claims that more than one team may be selected by the FIA, in case HRT or Sauber run further into financial trouble.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has added weight to recent reports that an American team could soon be a reality in formula one.

In the wake of the USF1 debacle, scepticism accompanied the recent news about a US-based outfit called Cypher Group submitting a “letter of interest” about obtaining the last spot on the 2011 grid.

But a few days later, USF1 backer and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley’s aide Parris Mullins admitted to Autosport that “I would be lying if I said that I haven’t been exploring other ways of entry into this sport”.

“I am part of a project right now that is trying to enter the sport,” he added, admitting that he sees a customer car as a viable initial route.

And Montezemolo, who has been pushing hard for a rule change to allow three-car team entries, told Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I dream of a third Ferrari managed by an American team, with the stars and stripes flag.”
(GMM)

In the wake of the USF1 calamity, another American group has signalled its intention to race in formula one next year.

Cypher Group confirmed on Thursday that it has submitted a “letter of interest” about obtaining the 13th and final spot on the 2011 grid.

The company said it consists of “experienced F1 engineers, designers and businessmen” whose objective “is to create a successful US-based F1 team”.

Cypher said it “recognises the significant challenges” of building a team in a short amount of time and will therefore “utilise ‘best of breed’ components throughout the car”.

“In support of this strategy Cypher is in contact with established manufacturers of formula one racing cars and components,” the outfit added.

“Our aims are ultimately to be competitive and provide unrivalled access and interaction for our supporters whilst maintaining high standards of integrity and values, alongside creative out of the box thinking.”

Cypher clarified that it has not yet lodged a formal entry to compete next year.

The outfit said it will only do so “should we achieve fully the budget we believe is necessary to do this properly.

“We are not in this to embarrass America, the fans or ourselves.  We simply want to give America the shot it deserves.”

(GMM)

May 4 (GMM)  Epsilon Euskadi could be set to take another step towards becoming F1′s thirteenth and final team for the 2011 season.

We reported in March that the Spanish outfit would apply for the berth following the FIA’s invitation for expressions of interest.

The initial process ended on 15 April, with interested teams to lodge full applications by the end of June followed by “due diligence leading to a decision in July”.

It emerged on Monday that FIA president Jean Todt was set to travel to Spain on Tuesday for a meeting with the Spanish sports minister Jaime Lissavetsky and the head of Spain’s motor racing federation Carlos Gracia.

A press conference is then scheduled for the afternoon.

Spain’s El Pais newspaper reports that Todt will visit Epsilon Euskadi’s Azkoitia headquarters in view of the team making its formula one debut in 2011.

Epsilon Euskadi, involved in junior single seater categories as well as Le Mans with a prototype car, applied to make its F1 debut this year but was beaten to the places by USF1, HRT, Lotus, Virgin and Sauber.

Its boss is Joan Villadelprat, who for decades worked in F1 with McLaren, Ferrari, Benetton, Tyrrell and Prost.

The F1 ex-pilot, Christian Klien and the F2 champion, the Spaniard Andy Soucek are still battling for the two remaining positions of the Formula One grid for this season.
USF1 and Campos have not confirmed yet their second pilots, and both Klien and Soucek assure to be in negotiations with the teams before the opening of the season in Bahrain, on March 14th.
“The possibilities are still good,” declared Klien. “Until there is an actual possibility I’m going fight to participate in the F1. Another year as reserve driver would not be a catastrophe.”
On the other hand, Soucek, has announced that his negotiations with the Spanish team are in an “advanced” stage, while his conversations with USF1 are more casual.
“Right now it is not signed, but during the negotiations new options have come up,” said Soucek and added that he does not discard participating as test driver, but naturally, without paying seat.
They are both competing with champion Adrián Vallés, who many consider one of the favorites for the USF1 seat. The Spaniard was already very near in 2007; maybe this is his chance.
“I’m sorry. I cannot talk. I only hope things don’t go wrong.“ declared Valles, last week.
We are still waiting for Campos to comment on the solution of his financial problems and centers in the vacant seat, as well as submit his plans as the beginning of the season is approaching

Bernie Ecclestone added more fuel to the fire when he made statements regarding the possibility that USF1 and Campos Meta 1 get a place in the grid of the first race at Bahrain. The F1 boss went even further by suggesting the both teams will miss the three first races of the season.
Ecclestone himself revealed there is a clause in the Concord Agreement which allows the teams to be absent at three races during the season. Even though most of the teams will not make use of it –due to the sponsorship contracts-, this could offer an extra period to Campos and USF1 to prepare for their debut in the Formula One.
“I think we won’t be seeing Campos nor the Americans, who are going to request to be absent to three races,” declared Ecclestone to Express. “According to the Concord Agreement the teams are authorized to be absent from three races.”
Both teams have insisted several times that they will run the first race of the season, even though Campos has admitted he is still looking for investors to pay the debts he has with the Dallara chassis manufacturer. On the other hand, the USF1 is ready for his final crash tests, and a number of reports suggest that the chassis is in a very advanced phase.
However, the Serbian, Stefan, who is developing the Toyota’s team F1 2010, is ready to intervene if necessary, suggested Ecclestone, saying that Stefan GP has gotten enough funds to be in conditions to participate in the races. “They have the Serbian government money. I have talked with the Prime Minister.” declared Ecclestone.
Formula One ex-pilots, Schumacher, Kazuki Nakajima and Jacques Villeneuve have been associated with the new team, that will make tests at the Algarve Portimao Race Circuit in Portugal, at the end of the month.

In spite of learning that the opportunity for participating in the 2010 Formula 1 World Championship with Renault has vanished with the confirmation of the Russian, Vitaly Petrov, the Spanish pilot, Andy Soucek is far from giving up. “For the time being, there’s nothing closed.  Negotiations have taken place and we have opened new options.  The two vacant seats are USF1 and Campos, but there are other alternatives that are also tempting me quite a lot, and all in Formula 1″, said Soucek.

“To be the first-team pilot is something that attracts all pilots –regardless of the team-, because what we want is to be in the grid.  But to be a reserve pilot is more important than being a test driver, because if something happens to the first-team pilot you take his place.  So this is something I have in mind if it would be a large team.  It would help me a lot and give me time to prepare for 2011, with one more year of experience in Formula 1.  It’s a role one should not rule out;” declared the Spanish pilot.

“I think I deserve the position of third pilot and I don’t think I have to pay for it.  That’s what interests me.  As a first-team pilot you have to have a big sponsor behind you, but as third pilot you can have a small sponsor or not even that, because they’re counting on you since you’re going to contribute with something to the team,” assured the Spaniard-Austrian pilot.

The thing being that more doors are closing every time, and more so with the possible arrival of Adrián Vallés to the USF1 team, which has a vacant seat.  Soucek said: “I don’t know if he has signed; I understand he hasn’t.  But, Adrián has always been ahead; he has raced very fast in all the championships he has participated.  He has been my team-mate and cannot say anything bad about him.  He’s very fast and he deserves it.  We haven’t talked and I cannot give more information.”

This way, it is confirmed that there is contact with USF1.  “Yes, there have been conversations, but this is like everything else: at the end, everybody talks with everybody else, and much more in a moment like this, when the teams are desperate for a pilot, as well as the pilots for a team.”

“I’m not going to allow desperation to get to me, and if I sign I want it to be something that helps me in my sport career; not that jeopardizes it.  So, whatever step I take is going to be well thought out, and I’ll see that the team with whom I sign gives me a guarantee of playing a decent role within the Formula One,” the pilot pointed out.

And what about Campos Meta 1 which has only confirmed the Brazilian, Bruno Senna? “For a month I’ve been in very advanced negotiations with Campos.  As has been announced in all media, Adrian is going through a very difficult moment.  I thing the same indecision and uncertainty we all have is what he’s experimenting, too,” Soucek reflected.

Based on Adrián Campos statements, today we have confirmed, that before next Monday, he will take care of the financial problems.  “Right now, he doesn’t know what’s going to happen.  He’s wishing that his team succeeds.  We all do.  It’s a Spanish team and it would be very important for motoring, but unfortunately there’s an economic problem with all the new teams, and besides, maybe the media is taking it out on him a bit too much.  Let’s hope he can solve the problem and then, it will be known who his second pilot will be,” he explained.