F1: USF1 Still Working Towards Bahrain Debut

Formula 1

F1: USF1 Still Working Towards Bahrain Debut

There's only one thing that stands in the way of USF1 making the grid next month...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted February 10, 2010 GMM Newswire

Former GP2 driver Argentinean Jose Maria Lopez was signed by USF1 last month and has been facing an uncertain future ever since. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

The only thing that would prevent USF1 from making its Formula One debut in Bahrain next month is a crash test.

That’s according to the manager for newly signed USF1 driver Jose Maria Lopez.

With also Campos and possibly Lotus similarly struggling ahead of their debut F1 seasons, the FIA said this week that teams could miss up to three races in 2010 without penalty.

"For now the team is still working normally because the idea is to be in Bahrain," Lopez's manager Felipe McGough, told the El Diario Hoy newspaper.

He said USF1's car would undergo official crash tests in England next week.

"I don't know. Maybe if the crash test will present problems, the team will begin to analyze the possibility of postponing the debut, but for now there is nothing (to indicate this) and work continues for the race in Bahrain," McGough added.

There is also talk that Campos' car constructor Dallara, believed to be already talking with Stefan GP about a deal, may also have commenced negotiations with USF1, at the request of team sponsor Chad Hurley.

Dallara's chief executive Andrea Pontremoli told motorsport-total.com: "We are talking with several people. I cannot say more."

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SPEED Staff / GMM

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