Domenicali supports Sauber

Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari team manager, believes that the team from which BMW is going to withdraw deserves to stay in Formula 1, even if it means finding 28 cars on the starting grids in 2010.

Published on 26/10/2009 à 09:18

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After BMW announced its withdrawal from the Formula 1 at the end of the year, the structure ofHinwil took a few weeks to find a buyer. In the meantime, the FIA had granted the place of thirteenth and last team to Lotus, putting the Hinwil team on the sidelines, with a 14th and hypothetical place.

As things currently stand, the Swiss team cannot participate in the Formula 1 world championship in 2010, since only thirteen teams will be admitted. But for Stefano Domenicali, team manager of Ferrari, a 28-car starting grid would not be a big problem.

« We would be very happy [to have 14 teams] because we think it would be a shame to lose a team like Sauber, who finished on the podium [in Brazil], says Stefano Domenicali. We can accept such an exception for them. »

Ferrari's position seems logical, since the Scuderia must supply the engines to the Hinwil team if it is at the start of the season. However, Domenicali thinks that the normality is to stay at thirteen teams. “ If someone isn't ready, it's better to stay at thirteen teams, especially because we've always said we want a third team car. »

The “Sauber” team, bought from BMW by the Qadbak investment fund, must now hope for the withdrawal of one of the first thirteen teams or a waiver from the FIA.