US F1 set to abandon F1 bid
US F1 appear to be on the verge of giving up on their plans to compete in the 2010 F1 season.
Reports in the Argentinean media claim Peter Windsor told Jose Maria Lopez the team will not race in F1 this year.
There has been little news from the team for several weeks. It planned to test its car at Barber Motorsport Park this month but no details about the test have been forthcoming.
There are also doubts over high-profile backer Chad Hurley’s commitment to the project.
As recently as yesterday the team asserted it was still on-track to race in Bahrain.
The team has not yet officially responded to the reports but keep an eye on their official Twitter and Facebook presences for developments.
HG said on 17th February 2010, 23:05
I think a lot of people have sadly seen this coming for a while now, and if ture, this is a shame, and will only serve to cast doubt on any future attempts (assuming there is any) to join F1 from the US. If this is true, it must damage Windsor’s reputation as he has stated that their entry has been planned for years (and thus was not affected by budget caps). Stephan GP must also be emboldend by these reports.
Jraybay-HamiltonMclarenfan said on 17th February 2010, 23:08
Now it looks like stefan gp team was right lol. Not long ago they said that there were other teams not ready so they continue to make their chassis for 2010. Maybe they will be on the grid after all D:
sato113 said on 18th February 2010, 1:43
looks lke sending containers to Bahrain was a good call for Steph GP!
mfDB said on 18th February 2010, 2:24
hmmmm, the Argentina media…really. Kieth, you’re title is 100% sure that they are done and then you’re article is contradictory.
I know it doesn’t look good, but let’s separate rumors and facts.
Tom said on 18th February 2010, 6:22
“set to abandon” not “has abandoned”. i’d say 83.71% sure…
Sinnr (@sinnr) said on 18th February 2010, 14:29
I don’t about that,he is not the only one.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/347426-usf1-a-big-opportunity-lost-for-formula-1
mfDB said on 18th February 2010, 20:16
Maybe it’s a difference in English English and American English, but set to abandon means they are abandoning….
banned from J.Allen site said on 18th February 2010, 15:43
bernie was behind it for sure.
sato113 said on 19th February 2010, 0:43
why were you banned from james allen’s site? ;?
Bertie said on 18th February 2010, 11:06
As I thought from the outset, the whole thing was only going to be an embarrassment for America.
Hallard said on 18th February 2010, 15:30
Cetainly not a proud day for us American F1 fans…
Juan said on 22nd February 2010, 17:42
Sorry men :( You guys tryed
his_majesty said on 18th February 2010, 16:12
Don’t confuse America the country with usf1. They are the one’s to be shamed here. A bunch of morons, trying to run an f1 team on a shoestring budget? How stupid can you be. Then to get a 2nd rate driver.. CHILD, PLEASE. Ken Anderson would be a great man, but windsor? Come on, I realize the guy had experience, what 20 some years ago or some trash like that. Who cares, that was a long time ago and the sport has come so far since then. Way to let the country down losers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wait a minute. Get Speed channel on the phone for me, I’m going to make a team now! Up, just ran out of money. Peter Winsor better not be on speed this year or I’ll need to watch some place else. Poser!!!!!!!! Get lost.
paul garnett said on 4th March 2010, 15:16
wow his majesty. im sorry you call yourself an american you do great disservice to the rest of us americans who arent arrogant and disrespectful and really you actually watch speed(aka nascarcrapfest)speed isnt fit to broadcast lawnmower races let alone offer anything meaningful in the world of f1 (thank god for bbcsports)do us all a favor and defect to canada!
notanahole said on 4th March 2010, 15:19
w
Pradeek said on 18th February 2010, 11:35
Weren’t these the guys that had YouTube as a sponsor?
Trevor said on 18th February 2010, 11:48
The following statement is on their Facebook site:
“USF1 and Campos Meta are to meet Friday Feb19th to discuss possible merger. Chad Hurley previously has sent his representatives to Dallara confirm thier ability to deliver two cars before first GP race. The surviving team use the Dallara chasis and assume the contracts for the Cosworth engines and all other debtes. The remaining team license would be sold to Stefan GP1. All teams would have to vote in favor of allowing a new team at this late date. The weaker teams probably would not want to see the TOYOTAonthe grid again. By buying one of the remaining teams Stefan GP1 would be assured of a spot in 2010. No matter what happens Ken, Peter and Mr Campos are probably out. Mr Hurley and Jose Carabante will assume control of the team and bring in thier own people.
All this is subject to Collin Kolles not acquiring Campos Meta first.
http:/bit.ly/aBEBf9″
three4three said on 18th February 2010, 13:08
Is this statement legit, who made it? Makes loads of sense but doesn’t sound very official.
Trevor said on 18th February 2010, 13:49
Don’t know who the person is who made it other than he’s stateside, just reproduced it here as it’s on their official facebook page – not been confirmed or denied by anyone there yet.
Trevor said on 18th February 2010, 14:55
The official Twitter page is now carrying this message:
“The US F1 Team web server is down and is being repaired as this is written. We are not gone, as many have reported. More news soon.”
Jraybay-HamiltonMclarenfan said on 17th February 2010, 23:05
As a canadian I thot it would be cool to see a team from America compete. So I followed them as closely as I can but I never got my hopes up and this is not suprise news to me.
sato113 said on 18th February 2010, 1:44
why would a canadian like yourself be proud of an american team?
mfDB said on 18th February 2010, 2:12
Because we’re friendly neighbors…
Greg Wesson said on 18th February 2010, 9:49
I’m a Canadian too, though living in the UK. I was excited about the prospect of a team from North America. Even though it wouldn’t be a Canadian team, it was still good to have a team from our little corner of the world. A lot of times I find that sports in Canada and the USA are so internally focused and not very international. We seem to play sports that no one else plays, and don’t take serious part in sports that do. The thought of a decent North American F1 team was an opportunity to see the North American sports world open up a little more to the world.
Oh well. Perhaps Frank Stronach will start up Magna F1 and make us Canadians proud – well, at least half proud as the Austrians will no doubt be proud as well.
Ludolf said on 18th February 2010, 10:22
Cheer up! German websites say Villeneuve is about to sign second seat Stephan.
Jrayybay-HammiltonMclarenfan said on 22nd February 2010, 17:45
where and when did I say I would be proud of them? I thought it would be cool to have a team from North America competing in formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsports.
newnhamlea1 said on 17th February 2010, 23:13
it is saddening to hear this, if it is true. And I origionally believed them to be the best prepared after months of talking about it from Peter Windbag before the entry process was even mentioned.
Enigma (SaloolaS) said on 17th February 2010, 23:15
I think we’ll get a confirmation within few hours. It was expected, they don’t have so much money behind them as Lotus and Virgin do. And I expect something similiar to happen to Campos soon. Too bad for Senna and Lopez.
Scribe said on 17th February 2010, 23:52
It’s more that they don’t have a car. At least Campos have the Dallara, at least Dallara have the Dallara, that can simply be built. USF1 was doomed to fail because it thought that in a recesion it could get the funding to build a car itself. Lotus and Virgin are owned or backed by large self financing empires an therfore where never going to fail like this.
It’s still quite likley we’ll see Senna and Lopez on the grid, either in the Stefan or in the Dallara, whatever that entry turns up named as.
mfDB said on 18th February 2010, 20:18
Still no confirmation….I think they are going to try and pull every last string they can….we’ll get the announcement on March 10th…
Lenny said on 17th February 2010, 23:15
Whoah! What a surprise!! (Yes thats called sarcasm)
How do the FIA feel now?
Terry Fabulous said on 18th February 2010, 6:54
I bet they’re glad they blew off Lola and David Richards!
Actually, I bet they don’t even notice
Xanathos said on 18th February 2010, 8:38
Who’s saying that Lola or Prodrive would have made it? Experience in Racing isn’t everything, just look at Campos/Dallara. And Lola and Prodrive also wouldn’t have thought about F1 without the budget cap.
LewisC said on 18th February 2010, 10:48
Dave Richards isn’t in the habit of failing at things he sets out to do.
I think a Lola-Aston-Martin would have been brilliant, although mostly because the racing DB9RS sounds absolutely amazing.
Keir said on 18th February 2010, 15:52
Yeah, because Lola were fantastic in their previous comeback in 1997 weren’t they? ;-p
Patrickl said on 18th February 2010, 20:26
and Prodrive where magnificent when they got an entry for 2008 and … didn’t show up
Terry Fabulous said on 18th February 2010, 21:23
I’m pretty certain that established Motor Racing entities got overlooked for the grid spots in favour of teams that were going to use the Cosworth engines.
Of course this is just idle uninformed speculation!!!
Salty said on 17th February 2010, 23:16
Rumours of Chad Hurley looking to back another team now are interesting. Will he back Campos or go with one of the more established teams now. Renault could certainly do with a fresh sponsor.
HG said on 17th February 2010, 23:19
yes i think that rumour is very interresting if true – he has the money, and wants to sponsor F1, but has lost faith and wants to look elsewhere.
three4three said on 17th February 2010, 23:22
It’s a pity and a disappointment as it won’t help the chances of an F1 race returning to the States, but let’s face it we’ve expected as much for a while now. I hope that the USF1 venture is rescued by Americans and set right, or failing that Stefan GP is ushered in with USF1′s paperwork.
Here’s hoping Campos will come through their difficulties and make the grid.
Pengo said on 17th February 2010, 23:23
http://www.ultimavuelta.com.ar/noticias.php?t=noticias_internacionales&id=3637
This article is talking about a “Merger” between Campos and USF1?
newnhamlea1 said on 17th February 2010, 23:25
just, no.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 17th February 2010, 23:25
Bit more from Adam Cooper:
Hairs said on 18th February 2010, 2:14
I would NEVER have guessed that from the videos they posted of an empty factory building staffed by a tiny number of very nervous F1 rejects. Honestly, that first visit by Bob Vargas is something they should never have shown – it was excruciatingly embarrassing.
Compare that with Lotus’s video. Nobody doubts Americans can do the job. But it takes a huge huge commitment to be successful in F1, and you need knowledge and experience. This is why Lotus never got talked about like the other 3 – they have Mike Gascoyne. His involvement speaks volumes about the team. And they’ve got a car doing 70+ laps daily while Virgin can’t get theirs out of the garage.
Salty said on 18th February 2010, 18:35
A little harsh on Virgin there sir. Timo clocked 72 laps today while the Lotus tried to spontaneously self-combust. All new teams to F1, so none going to cakewalk it, but for sure, lot of experience at Lotus. Still think Virgin may give them a run for their money this year.
Sad about USF1, but not totally unexpected.
mfDB said on 18th February 2010, 20:20
hahahaha @ Hairs….i know, i was scared as soon as i saw those videos….
three4three said on 17th February 2010, 23:25
http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fmundod.lavoz.com.ar%2F%3Fq%3Dcontent%2Fse-cae-el-us-f1-y-%25E2%2580%259Cpechito%25E2%2580%259D-lopez-se-queda-sin-equipo-para-la-formula-uno-0&sl=es&tl=en
Zeke said on 17th February 2010, 23:26
Those three car teams Ferrari was wanting don’t look so dumb now if this is true
newnhamlea1 said on 17th February 2010, 23:33
nope, they still look dumb
Monad said on 18th February 2010, 0:17
Yeah dumb as hell.
sato113 said on 18th February 2010, 1:46
pretty dumb IMO.
matt90 said on 18th February 2010, 3:11
Dumbest idea I’ve heard
Magnificent_Geoffrey said on 18th February 2010, 7:25
Luca ‘dumb’ Montezemolo IMO.
Mouse_Nightshirt said on 18th February 2010, 7:48
EPIC Dumb really.
Weasel Chops said on 18th February 2010, 9:45
Not dumb, he can clearly speak quite well :D
Just might not voice the most popular ideas all the time :p
Daffid said on 18th February 2010, 12:15
I’ll voice my support, 3 car teams has always been the way ahead… but I guess this isn’t the 3 car thread, so I’ll shut up again ;p
Hallard said on 18th February 2010, 15:36
Yeah…still looking pretty dumb to me.
Red Andy said on 17th February 2010, 23:27
Brian Bonner has refuted earlier rumours that he had stopped working with USF1 on his Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Indy92
But I suppose the say-so of some Argentinean rag is far more reliable than what those involved with the team have to say.
Pinball - roadography.com said on 18th February 2010, 0:15
Good point. There is lots of speculation, but at this stage that’s all it is.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 18th February 2010, 0:25
I have been in touch with US F1 (see last paragraph) and although they’re usually very quick to respond, nothing yet.
Jraybay-HammiltonMclarenfan said on 22nd February 2010, 18:06
Do you know if they requested, to miss the first four races of the season?
John H said on 18th February 2010, 0:37
Kind of agree, but it’s not just the rag… it’s that plus the fact that they have no car, no driver line up, no money or any concrete testing plans with less than a month to go… all things Windsor said would be in place by now.
I did think they would be there in Bahrain, but surely not now. Framed pictures of Jim Clark does not necessary an F1 team make.
tommy boi said on 17th February 2010, 23:33
I saw this coming for a long time but I never wanted to believe it. What a shame to Americans, although most of them don’t hold much interest in F1 anyways :P
Gman said on 18th February 2010, 1:18
Nothing but an arrogent, classless remark there. Not to mention completely untrue……
sato113 said on 18th February 2010, 1:47
he did say ‘most’ of americans…
Hallard said on 18th February 2010, 15:39
No, he’s right. Most Americans arent that interested in F1. In fact most Americans think that Indycar and F1 are the same thing.
tommy boi said on 18th February 2010, 21:39
I live in America and from all of the americans I know, I have come across 2-3 f1 fans. Don’t see how it is completely untrue….
Chuck said on 22nd February 2010, 18:04
Thats like saying most Europeans dont like ice hockey like Canadians do. There are fans all over the world nonetheless. It’s just in North America we only have the Gilles villenueve circuit now that Indianapolis is gone. and Europe has many circuits and is where formula 1 competes the most. It’s hard to find hardcore fans because formula 1 isn’t in the media very much for us except when the canada grand prix comes around. The IRL and Nascar get more coverage than formula 1 I believe. Mostly because they race in america. I blame the lack of interest on a lack of exposure.
Candyman said on 17th February 2010, 23:43
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=357796&FS=F1
An indian driver in F1, and a red car at the front and the back of the grid. Presuming the Toyota is still terrible.
SijS said on 18th February 2010, 6:25
He did promise a good news to all his fans by Feb 25th on his Twitter page.. Im assuming this is it..
Praveen Titus said on 18th February 2010, 8:52
That’s great news, if it’s true.
Haplo said on 17th February 2010, 23:45
Voice of The Emperor:
“Everything is happening as I have foreseen it…”
Bleh, it’s a shame, but I knew they had only 2 options: 1. make it to the 1st race and make a fool of themselves all year, or 2. don’t make it at all.