Stefan bidding for 2011 Formula One entry 26 Apr 2010
Serbia’s Zoran Stefanovic has confirmed that his team, currently known as Stefan GP, is bidding to fill the final slot on the Formula One grid for 2011. It follows his failed attempt to take part in this year’s championship using the former Toyota squad’s cars.
The FIA chose to keep the 2010 grid at 12 teams rather than the permitted 13 after one new team dropped out at the last minute, but Formula One racing’s governing body has re-opened the selection process for next season with the aim of boosting the field to 26 cars.
Announcing his bid, Stefanovic also revealed his intention to build a Formula One-standard race circuit as part of the planned Stefan Technology Park. Located on the outskirts of Serbian capital Belgrade, the track would also serve as the team’s base.
“This is proof that we want to put ourselves on the map as a serious hi-tech company, and that we are serious about competing in Formula One for the long term,” Stefanovic said on his team’s website.
“Bearing in mind that we will soon be on a par with top teams, in terms of facilities and organisation, as Stefan Technology Park looking to be compared with them, we expect many positive improvements in the future.”
The FIA is expected to announce a decision regarding 2011 teams in July.
