No doubts for Stoddart

When Ford announced it was withdrawing from Formula One, the future of three teams was put in doubt. Now, six weeks later, although Jaguar has yet to find a buyer, Jordan and Minardi are confident they will be on the grid in Melbourne for the start of the 2005 season.

Max Mosley and Paul Stoddart.

Photo by Minardi Formula 1.

Jordan is reportedly finalizing a deal with Toyota for an engine supply and Minardi boss Paul Stoddart was always positive his team would survive. If necessary Minardi can run its own engines next season but there was widespread speculation last week that Cosworth is on the brink of being sold.

Whether Stoddart will continue to deal with Cosworth is yet to be seen but one way or the other Minardi will be around. "No doubt at all, Minardi will be in Melbourne in 2005. Formula One needs 10 teams," Stoddart told the BBC. "If we were to fall down to nine teams it would be a sad day but if it happens we will have to deal with it."

Minardi may be a small team but it's been around a long time and Stoddart is confident of further longevity. "Minardi is the fourth oldest team in Formula One behind Ferrari, McLaren and Williams," he commented. "It's fair to say Minardi has stood the test of time. We have been there for 21 years and hopefully we will be there for many more."

According to the rumour mill, ChampCar co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven is the prospective buyer of Cosworth but there has been no official confirmation of any deal being completed. The latest speculation about Jaguar is that Brand Synergy, the group that put in a bid for the British GP, is now eyeing the team.