As anticipated, US F1 has failed to be ready in time, so won’t be competing this year. In another twist to the new teams saga, the empty grid slots haven’t been offered to Stefan Grand Prix. That’s despite its numerous claims about being all set to race, although nobody ever actually saw any cars.
By contrast, Campos Meta will be taking part, albeit under a new name. It’s now called HRT (Hispania Racing F1 Team), following its recent acquisition by Ramon Carabante. Hard to see how it will be prepared, though. The car has only just been unveiled, and won’t get its maiden run until Friday practice at the first race in Bahrain - just one week from today.
Confirmed drivers for HRT are Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok. During 2009 Chandhok raced in GP2, but only managed to finish in 18th position following a season typified by retirements.
Sauber is a peculiarity on the entry list. The official team name continues to be BMW Sauber F1 Team, with the confusing BMW Sauber Ferrari constructor moniker, even though BMW withdrew from the sport at the end of last year.
It turns out that changing a team name isn’t such a simple process, although Brawn GP was able to manage it. Sauber’s reluctance to amend its name might be about not wanting to jeopardise TV money due to BMW from 2009, however.
There’s a chance this anomaly could be cleared up at the next meeting of the Formula One Commission, to be held on 10 March in Bahrain. Seems daft to leave it as it is.
