Stefan GP obtains technical support from Toyota

Stefan Grand Prix remains hopeful of entering F1 as the team has just announced that it has reached an agreement with Toyota Motorsport to receive technical support from the Japanese team. The Serbian team is still aiming for the 2010 grid, even though they do not have an entry right, and plans to conduct tests throughout the year if they do not succeed in gaining entry.

Stefan GP acquired the rights to the design of the Toyota chassis it planned to use in 2010 before the Japanese manufacturer decided to withdraw from the sport. Stefan GP stated on Friday that it was continuing to renew its efforts to enter F1.

Stefan GP has just reached a basic agreement with Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG). Stefan GP will receive technical support from TMG, the team said in a statement. Further details will be communicated to the press in due course.

This news is provoking strong reactions, such as those from McLaren team’s director, Martin Whitmarsh. He expressed surprise at Toyota’s behavior towards Stefan GP. As a reminder, McLaren was ready to supply ‘customer’ cars to Prodrive in 2008, but threats from Williams had prevented this partnership.

McLaren believes it is important for new entrants to develop their own cars. However, we are pragmatic and have demonstrated in the past our willingness to supply cars to customer teams.

Ironically, many of these teams have the option to acquire a chassis from Toyota. Toyota had built two cars that have been available since Christmas, and I’m a bit surprised that some teams are not considering this possibility.

The Brit is particularly thinking of the four new 2010 teams, while it is Stefan GP that has taken a stand without an entry fee.

Regarding Toyota, Withmarsh said: « It may have been the wrong decision, but nevertheless they had their own reasons for this decision. We must see in the weeks or months to come if we can help these new teams with the aim of adding flavor and diversity to F1. »