Zoran Stefanovic, the man behind the Stefan GP outfit vying for a place on the 2010 F1 grid has expressed his confidence in gaining a starting place in the very first race of the season in Bahrain.
Stefanovic told the Reuters news agency that he expects to have struck a deal which would see the team either replace Campos or the more likely option, USF1.
“Definitely, we are waiting for something to happen because the time is very short and the deadline for Bahrain is approaching,” he told Reuters.
“If you are going to Bahrain you have to be packed by next Wednesday and we think we will be able to reach something by then.”
If Stefan can’t race in Bahrain, Stefanovic said they may be able to join the grid mid-season if a team pulls out: “Technically it’s possible but we are going to be in Bahrain. We are not saying it’s for sure, but we are looking forward to it.”
Earlier this week, the team had to cancel a planned test in Portimao after Bridgestone wouldn’t supply the Serbian team with F1 or GP2 spec tyres.
“We have been unable to get the Formula One tyres because the FIA and Formula One have a contract stipulating that only the teams that are already in Formula One can get the Bridgestone tyres,” Stefanovic said.
“We believe the FIA has to release the proper tyres to us for safety reasons. We expect it to happen and we have very good faith that it is going to happen.”
Meanwhile, he confirmed interest in Jacque Villeneuve, who he said is almost signed to the team.
“It’s not happened yet but everything except his signature had been done,” Stefanovic added. “Probably in the next two or three days, we will be reaching some sort of an agreement.”
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