Richards submits 2008 entry

Former BAR (now Honda) chief David Richards has submitted an entry for the 2008 F1 championship with his Prodrive organization. Today, March 31st, is the last day that entries may be lodged; earlier this week another former team boss also signed up, Minardi's Paul Stoddart.

Richards was team principal of BAR until late 2004 when it was announced that Honda was to be come an equity partner in the team and Nick Fry would take over as chief executive. Prodrive was contracted in 2001 to restructure BAR. Honda subsequently took a majority share in the team and entered the 2006 season under its own name.

Prodrive, which competes in the World Rally Championship with Subaru and also in Australian V8 supercars and in sportscars with Aston Martin, is planning a new F1 headquarters in Warwickshire, UK. "Formula One is still regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport and therefore a natural next step for Prodrive," said Richards.

"While we may be a very large company in motorsport terms, we are very much a minnow in comparison to the vehicle manufacturers who currently dominate the sport. However, on the basis of the new regulations being proposed by the FIA, we believe the time is now right for us to take this next step."

"The next few months will see the clarification of the rules for 2008. Should our entry be accepted, we would aim to play a constructive part in determining the new rules with the objective of creating an environment where private teams, without access to the massive resources of the vehicle manufacturers, can once again be competitive - a situation we believe will be far healthier for the long term future of F1."

The FIA confirmed that it has received applications from 22 teams to enter the championship in 2008. They are all invited to attend a meeting in London on April 10th but 10 will likely have thier applications turned down as currently it seems that only 12 teams will be accepted. The entry list for 2008 is due to be confirmed on April 28th.