ART Grand Prix aims for F1 in 2011

ART Grand Prix is ​​therefore one of the candidates wishing to join the Formula 1 during the 2011 season. After Epsilon Euskadi, Durango and Stefan GP, ​​the French team submitted a file to the FIA. “ Yes, we have applied to join the Formula 1 World Championship in 2011, confides to AUTOhebdo.fr the co-owner of the team already in F3 Euro Series, GP2 and GP3 Series. The request had to be made before April 15 and the FIA ​​is expected to give its response on July 1. But, until then, we will have to prepare a more complete technical and financial file. »

However, it was four weeks after the deadline that the name ART Grand Prix appeared in the press. A discretion desired by Frédéric Vasseur. “ Until now, we had not wished to confirm our desire to get involved in Formula 1 to best prepare for this very complex issue, without compromising our current activities. » Having been involved in the GP2 Series and Formula 3 Euro Series for a long time, the French team is taking part this season in a new discipline, the GP3 Series.

In addition, ART Grand Prix wanted to do things in order and has already made contact with the Formula 1 community, with the aim of choosing an engine manufacturer. “ We have warned the stables of our intentions. I have good relations with Mercedes, Ferrari et Renault, says Frédéric Vasseur. The choice of engine is therefore not yet defined. »

ART Grand Prix has already demonstrated its seriousness in GP2 Series and F3 Euro Series, disciplines of which it is reigning champion thanks to Nico Hulkenberg and Jules Bianchi. It is therefore a French team which could join Formula 1 during the next season but it is now up to the FIA ​​to make its choice.