Theissen says team future in good hands

The Swiss-based investment group recently agreed to purchase the BMW Sauber outfit, but it has been surrounded by controversy in England after doubts emerged about its integrity amid its involvement at Notts County football club.

This has been prompted by the fact that Qadbak is connected to British businessman Russell King, who has had £2 million worth of assets frozen by a Jersey court following an investigation into another company he owned. King has been involved in F1 before.

As a result of that matter, the Football Association is to conduct an inquiry into Qadbak's takeover at Notts County, with a decision on whether the company passes football's 'fit and proper' test due next month.

Despite the doubts about Qadbak's dealing with Notts County, Theissen is sure that the company has what it takes to make a success of its involvement in F1.

"The new owner of the team has a very strong company and that is the partner BMW has negotiated with," said Theissen. "I have no reason to question the strength and seriousness of this partner.

"We are happy that the team has been bought by an owner who is strong enough to run an F1 team, who knows what to expect and who does not take the approach to come to F1 just to be there.

"He wants to run a strong team and this is the best outcome for the team that we could have achieved. I think we just should be a bit patient now and wait until the new owner publishes his intentions, the way he wants to run the team and give him the chance to sort everything out before going public."

The identity of the Qadbak investors has not been made public, and Theissen admitted that it was not normal for someone to buy into a team and shy away from publicity. However, he said that did not mean the finance was in doubt.

"It might be unusual, but it is up to the owner how he handles it. I have the impression that the new owner will take interest in how the team is run and the people who run the team. I think it's just a matter of time until these ideas or this information becomes public."