Launch of Stefan GP’s first car, the SF01

Stefan GP, through its owner Zoran Stefanovich, continues to inch closer to Formula 1 even without an entry. The latest event is that the SF01 car, which was designed by Toyota before the Japanese manufacturer decided to leave the sport, is set to make its track debut at the end of the month at the Portimao circuit in Portugal.

Speaking to Autosport, Zoran Stefanovich stated that everything is going as planned and the car is ready to start testing. Indeed, it has been started for the first time at the Cologne factory formerly owned by Toyota. However, the team is still working on a tire supply agreement for its first test.

« This morning, February 19, 2010, was a big day for Stefan Grand Prix, » announced Stefanovich in a phone interview. « This morning at 8:00, the first car, the Stefan 01 was started for the first time. The car runs impeccably well, there were no problems. We could be racing, but we are just waiting for the tires. »

The Serbian added that his team is already made up of nearly 60 people as well as people from Toyota since a technical collaboration is underway between the two teams. He is expecting news from the FIA very soon as doubts continue to surround Campos Meta and especially USF1.

« We hope that the situation will be clarified soon. In the meantime, we are working very hard on the pilots’ contracts, » added Stefanovich, who stated that discussions with Jacques Villeneuve were progressing well. The Serb confirmed that former Williams driver Kazuki Nakajima was already part of the team.

« For the moment, we are very close to signing contracts with drivers like Jacques Villeneuve, and probably also with another driver for the role of reserve driver. But the first to be with us is Kazuki Nakajima.