Stefan GP plans to test its single-seaters in 2010

The Serbian team Stefan Grand Prix plans to test its Formula 1 car throughout 2010 if it fails to secure a spot in the next world championship. The sporting director, Zoran Stefanovic, met with the President of Toyota Motorsport, John Howett, this weekend to finalize an agreement. This agreement involves taking over the design elements of the Japanese manufacturer’s 2010 car.

This decision comes as Stefan GP continues its preparations to enter F1, even though there is currently no available spot on the grid. Although the team does not want to confirm the details of its plans, Stefanovic admits that even though his initial ambitions for 2010 remain, he has a backup plan.

« Plan A anticipates entering F1 in 2010 and Plan B anticipates arriving in 2011 with car tests. We already have drivers, but we are not going to announce them. If we are not in F1 next year, then we will do tests. »

« We are not protected by the Concorde Agreement, which will allow us to test on different tracks and with various drivers even if we are not in the F1 World Championship. »

Stefanovic adds that the team’s budget is already in place and that the work on the car, led by former McLaren chief designer Mike Coughlan, will be carried out both in Serbia and Germany in 2010.

« We have the necessary funds for everything we do, » he explained. « For the moment, there is no question arising on this matter. The only question is about the input. »

Stefanovic also confirmed that the team has withdrawn a complaint filed with the European Commission regarding the registration process for the 2010 championship: « We have stopped the legal procedure. We are now taking a different approach. So, from the beginning of September, we are not doing anything with the European Commission. There is no question about it. It is better to move forward. »