Prodrive shelves F1 plans for 2008

6:07pm Friday 23rd November 2007

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PRODRIVE have been forced to put aside plans to enter Forumla One in 2008 after Williams threatened legal action over their planned use of customer cars.

Customer cars, vehicles manufatured by a current constructor and sold to another team, are illegal as stated in the Concorde Agreement that governs F1.

Motorsport boss Max Mosley said that rule would be changed from 2008, seemingly leaving the door open for Prodrive, but Williams launched a legal challenge to this and Prodrive's plans to race customer cars.

"It is disappointing to face a last-minute legal challenge when our plans have been public knowledge for over a year," Prodrive said.

Prodrive, who currently run the Subaru world rally championship team and are headed by former BAR and Benneton chief David Richards, have not ruled out becoming the 12th team in Formula One at a later date.

"We are hopeful that a new Concorde Agreement between the FIA, FOA (Formula One Administration) and teams will provide clarity as to the terms on which this might be possible.

"When this new agreement is reached, we will be in a position to consider the extent to which we can adapt our plans for participation in the future."