Prost hopeful despite passing deadline

According to this week's AUTOSPORT magazine, several offers have been made to buy Prost Grand Prix, which was put into receivership last month after running up debts of more than £19 million, and Prost is confident the team will take to the grid at the start of next season.

"Several concrete and serious offers are being studied," said Prost. "But we will not be able to make an official announcement before an agreement is completely finalised.

"I remain confident that Prost Grand Prix have a solid team whose potential is far from being completely exploited until now. I think we have the necessary ingredients to start the 2002 season in the best possible way."

Contrary to rumours that the Paris-based squad had until last week's deadline to secure a buyer or face liquidation, Prost now has several weeks to assess the proposals and decide which is best suited to its needs.

The four-time world champion also admitted that his team may be forced to start next season with this year's AP04, despite pressing on with the new car. With crash test standards and regulations the same for 2002, this year's car could be used for the first few races before introducing the AP05.

For full reaction from Alain Prost about his hopes for next year, check out Thursday's AUTOSPORT magazine.