Formula One: Prost optimistic over team's future
Alain Prost has revealed he is ‘‘quite optimistic’’ about the future of his cash-strapped Formula One team.
Prost Grand Prix went into receivership last year with debts of around £20million but the four-time world champion is in discussions with several would-be buyers.
The team, who are yet to confirm an engine supply, a major sponsor or any of their drivers, have a deadline of January 15 to secure Prost’s position on the grid in Australia in March.
‘‘I don’t want to guarantee anything but I am quite optimistic, we are currently discussing with four or five serious buyers,’’ Prost said.
‘‘Everything is a matter of money. A F1 season costs between £40million and £50million.
‘‘One part is covered by TV rights, the other by sponsors. If someone pumps between £23million and £27million pounds into the company, then there would not be any problems.
‘‘I want to believe we can save the team, and on March 3 in Melbourne I hope there will be two Prost cars on the starting line.
‘‘Our engine will be a Ferrari one thanks to Jean Todt’s help, there is no doubt about it.’’
Prost is also counting on German Heinz-Harald Frentzen to be his lead driver, despite reports suggesting the German has already agreed a deal with Arrows.
‘‘Like us he is waiting to see what is going to happen, if everything is okay he will be our main pilot. For the second pilot, we have two or three ideas, he could even be French.’’
