Conquest insist they will race in 2009

The team issued a statement this afternoon clarifying their situation after reports in the American media suggested that their future was in serious doubt.

Team boss Eric Bachelart confirmed that his staff had been asked to accept a pay cut to avoid redundancies becoming necessary, but that all Conquest's personnel had voted to stay on board for reduced salaries.

"No matter how hard the current economic situation is making things for us in the racing world and everywhere else, never once did I think of closing the doors of Conquest Racing," Bachelart said.

"I had two options in front of me. One was to reduce the number of employees while moving ahead on finalising our programme for 2009. The other was to ask the employees to take a salary cut and stay with the team while we move forward.

"I'm really happy that everyone has decided to stay together and that I didn't have to lay off anybody."

Conquest suffered a double financial blow early in 2008 when the Champ Car World Series folded shortly after they had purchased an additional car, and when their lead sponsor Opes Prime had to withdraw. Franck Perera consequently lost his drive, but his teammate Enrique Bernoldi's Brazilian backers extended their support to allow compatriot Jaime Camara to take the second seat.

Alex Tagliani replaced Bernoldi for the final three races of 2008 and gave Conquest a breakthrough fourth place at Surfers Paradise. Both parties hoped that they could continue to work together in 2009 if sufficient sponsorship could be found.

Bachelart said that the team were still talking to new backers and fully intend to compete in the 2009 championship.

"We're a close group at Conquest Racing and we're excited about the upcoming season," he said. "Our cars are ready to go racing per the 2009 rules and we hope to be at the test in Homestead in a few weeks time.

"We're confident that we will succeed in putting together a strong programme for the 2009 season. We are in contact with many potential sponsors and we should hopefully have deals finalised in a matter of weeks."