Asiatech could take F1 sabbatical

Minardi's engine supplier Asiatech may take a sabbatical from Formula 1 next year as it attempts to secure a partnership with a car manufacturer for 2004, according to this week's AUTOSPORT magazine

The company's commercial director John Gano admitted at the Nurburgring last weekend that a year out is an option. Asiatech has ambitions to build its own chassis as well as engines, creating a package that could be offered to a manufacturer to badge.

"We want to create a platform for a car manufacturer to enter Grand Prix racing in a most efficient way," Gano told AUTOSPORT. "We now have the knowledge to build both a chassis and an engine, but without a car company's support there is no prospect of winning in the long run. So we are in need of such a partner."

If Asiatech does continue to supply engines next year, it could be with a different team. Along with Minardi, Arrows and Jordan have been linked to a possible supply. Cosworth power is also an option for the three teams.

Jaguar boss Niki Lauda, who also runs Ford's Premier Performance Division, confirmed that talks with Arrows and Jordan had begun, but said that no official approach had been made from Minardi.

For more F1 news, see AUTOSPORT magazine, on sale now.