Post here all non technical related topics about Formula One. This includes race results, discussions, testing analysis etc. TV coverage and other personal questions should be in Off topic chat.
Although turned down by the FIA for 2008, Jean Alesi has vowed to press ahead with plans to front a McLaren-backed 'Direxiv' formula one team.
The Frenchman, who started 202 grands prix until 2001 for employers including Ferrari, would be a Gil de Ferran-style 'sporting director' for the squad to be based at Ron Dennis' old factory.
However, with David Richards' 'Prodrive' squad to get the FIA's green light for 2008 on Friday, 41-year-old Alesi insisted that his crew would race ahead with a new plan to enter the 2007 championship.
However, the risk would be that - despite lodging a $48m new-team bond - there is no guarantee of a continuing place for 2008. But Alesi told Auto Motor Und Sport: ''I will enter in 2007 anyway.
''The FIA will find it difficult to kick me out!''
He said he was 'surprised' when he received the FIA's formal letter of rejection after lodging an entry for 2008. ''I can hardly imagine that someone is better set up.
''We can prove our healthy financing,'' Alesi continued, ''however it was not even examined (by the governing body).''
FIA president Max Mosley has said that a thirteenth team for 2008 would be possible, but only with the unlikely unanimity of every other existing outfit.
Wow, since the engine freeze and all the other things etc. More teams want to join the grid, after Prodrive now Direxiv?
I would like for him to join in f1, but where are the pit garages for the 13th team?
Simon: Nils? You can close in now. Nils?
John McClane: [on the guard's phone] Attention! Attention! Nils is dead! I repeat, Nils is dead, ----head. So's his pal, and those four guys from the East German All-Stars, your boys at the bank? They're gonna be a little late.
Simon: [on the phone] John... in the back of the truck you're driving, there's $13 billon dollars worth in gold bullion. I wonder would a deal be out of the question?
John McClane: [on the phone] Yeah, I got a deal for you. Come out from that rock you're hiding under, and I'll drive this truck up your ass.
i know that they are adding a new pit complex in spa. no where else
but what i have read. i doubt they are goin to allow 13 teams.
unless alesi knows some inside information about a team quitting. he will be taking a gamble by coming in next year.