Dubai team plans 2006 debut

It appears that Formula One may see two new teams on the grid in 2006, as a Dubai based outfit has announced its plans to enter the sport. At the Chinese Grand Prix, MidlandF1 revealed it is aiming to debut in 2006 and Team Dubai F1 has the same year in mind for its entry.

Dubai wanting to join F1 is not a surprise. It had previously intended to buy an existing team and back in the summer there was much speculation that Jordan was the outfit that was under negotiation. However, Dubai now plans to build its own team.

"We ultimately concluded that the acquisition of an existing team would never enable us fully to demonstrate our own commitment and excellence since success would inevitably have been linked with the existing team's brand and values," said Dubai representative Tim Fulton, according to Reuters.

Dubai claims to be in talks with Mercedes and McLaren in regard to engines and technical assistance -- there are plans to start work on a wind tunnel and technical centre in the Emirate next year, but as a British base the new team might take over McLaren's old factory in Woking.

"Dubai is committed to developing and supporting world class expertise in carefully-targeted high-technology industries," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation, who is a backer of the team.

"Formula One, with its focus on technological and engineering innovation, provides us the perfect environment in which to develop and demonstrate our skills in these cutting edge areas."

A press conference is expected to be held in Dubai in November to reveal more details.