Autosport International
Midland F1's plans on schedule
New grand prix outfit Midland F1 has revealed that it is on course to get its preliminary test car on the track by September ahead of its planned Formula 1 debut in 2006
The team's technical director Gary Anderson confirmed at Autosport International that work was progressing at a good pace behind the scenes and that there was no reason to believe the outfit would fail in its plans to get its test car on track in 2005.
"We are heading for F1 in 2006 and [Italian racing car constructor] Dallara has been contracted to design and build the car," confirmed Anderson. "They have asked me to oversee the project and it is a good that it is starting with a clean sheet of paper. We are coming in with no baggage so it is potentially the right way to go.
"The car is due to start testing in early September and design wise we are manufacturing parts now."
It is expected that the outfit will begin its testing programme with Cosworth engines although what power-unit it will enter F1 with remains to be seen. Midland F1's owner Alex Shnaider has made no secret of his team's desire to link-up with a major motor manufacturer - with Ferrari and Toyota believed to be his favourite targets.
Anderson added: "We are still in discussions regarding engines. Those negotiations are going okay and although it seems like a long time away [until 2006] it is very close in reality. The object at the moment is to get the car running and work for 2006."
Although Midland F1 is planning a debut in 2006, Shnaider still remains linked to a possible buy-in of the Jordan team - that could see the team enter the sport this year.
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