A1 Grand Prix boss Tony Teixeira said Tuesday he had been until recently talking to Honda about acquiring the Japanese manufacturer’s Formula One team.
“I was one of the guys talking to Honda in the last two weeks,” the South African said.
Honda announced in December they were pulling out of Formula One due to the global financial crisis, leaving the team still seeking a rescuer with the season due to start in Australia on March 29.
Virgin Group boss Richard Branson has expressed an interest but a management buy-out now looks the most likely route, other than closure, after Honda said Monday they had received various offers but no serious buyers.
Teixeira has been interested in Formula One in the past to promote his self-styled “World Cup of Motorsport” that runs mostly during the European winter.
However, Teixeira pulled out of the talks, citing the ongoing economic downturn.
“The only reason we want an F1 team is for the winners of A1 to go to F1,” he added. “But, because of the times, I cannot commit myself to this year’s budget.”
Nevertheless, Teixeira, who was also linked with the Toro Rosso team late last year, could yet see his F1 plans realised.
“Today I’m in a completely different situation. I’ve built my own cars and designed my own chassis. I have my own factory.
“So I’m not a customer boss. I can now build my chassis and run with a Ferrari engine. I’m now the same as everyone else.”
Former team owner Eddie Jordan has called on Sir Richard Branson to save Honda from pulling out of Formula One.
“Knowing Honda, and winning races with Jordan thanks to a Honda engine, I want to see how they emerge from this,” Jordan said. “Can Virgin buy it? We know how good Richard Branson is, he is the world’s leading exponent in marketability.”
He added: “Even if they hand it to him for a dollar, it would do a lot of good if they can get him on the grid.
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