McLaren and Prodrive are in agreement about 2008 and are merely awaiting confirmation about the 2008 regulations, Ron Dennis said in Japan.
The two teams have long discussed a possible collaboration about sharing a chassis-engine package for Prodrive’s Formula One debut next year.
The only uncertainty is the pending definition of so-called ‘non constructors’. “McLaren and Prodrive are in agreement about 2008 and are merely awaiting confirmation about the 2008 regulations, Ron Dennis said in Japan.” HomeofSport.com
The problem is that some of the other teams are still fundamentally opposed to the idea of customer cars in F1. Some are said to so against the idea that they may even be reconsidering their positions in the sport - or at least using this as an excuse to get out. The fear is that the sport will become dependent on six super-teams, but the chances are that within a few years some of the manufacturers will have gone from F1 and other teams - notably Prodrive - will be wanting to move on to become constructors. This is why the FIA is arguing so vehemently for cost-cutting. GrandPrix.com
Williams has questioned the legality of Prodrive, the new 12th team that was accepted to enter the championship next year. Headed by former BAR boss David Richards, Prodrive plans to use cars built by McLaren. However, the ‘customer car’ row has yet to be settled so it seems that Prodrive will have to wait for clarification.
Customer cars were set to be allowed under the new Concorde Agreement, F1’s commercial contract, for next season but so far the Agreement has not been ratified. It’s possible the current version will continue in 2008 but the legality of customer cars needs to be ruled upon first. Williams wrote to the FIA to raise the Prodrive issue and Max Mosley referred the matter appeal, to be heard in London on October 24th. Nikki Reynolds, MotorSport.com
FIA officials confirm a hearing has been called for October 24 at which time Prodrive’s plans to use customer cars in 2008, likely purchased from McLaren, will be reviewed.
Under terms of the new Concorde Agreement, the use of customer cars will be legal. However, teams have yet to officially sign the new deal, which means the current document will likely be carried over into next year. Under that document, the status of customer cars remains unclear. TSN.ca
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