11th team for F1?

Formula One will have an 11th team within "a few weeks" if Honda's discussions with a mystery outfit go as planned, handing Anthony Davidson a racing lifeline. The Japanese giant are in talks with an unnamed independent team to enter F1 next season with a supply of brand-new Honda engines.

Former Jordan Sporting Director, Trevor Carlin, with strong Honda connections, has been linked as have Japanese team Dome, but neither BAR boss Nick Fry nor Honda Racing President Yasuhiro Wada would discuss the identity of the new entrant.
Nick Fry "We would be willing to supply a second team with an engine and technical support. Discussions have now moved to a point with an independent team where we felt it was appropriate to say something about those discussions. Discussions have progressed reasonably well but they are far from complete. That's a few weeks away. The intention is for (the new team to enter in) 2006, obviously it's a tall order between now and then but that is the objective. There's a lot to be done."

If the new team does take to the grid in 2006, Takuma Sato is certain to be behind the wheel and Fry revealed Davidson is his likely team-mate. BAR Honda's test driver Davidson is still hoping for a race seat at Williams, BMW or Midland, with the latter representing his most realistic chance. However Davidson still needs to finance his move and that is proving to be a major headache, with the Englishman bringing no personal sponsors.

Fry hinted Davidson is in prime position to again partner the Japanese driver, revealing he will wait to name BAR's third driver until discussions with the new team are concluded.
"Takuma indicated at the press conference in Tokyo that he has an offer, that depends on the progression of the team but they have obviously spoken to Takuma," said Fry, who is likely to retain Davidson as third driver if he cannot find a race seat. Our third driver next year is related to what happens with the other team. Both Takuma and Anthony would like to drive in races and we wouldn't stand in their way. Anthony has got a good chance. He has proven himself and he keeps proving himself. I am sure he would have both our and Honda's backing and we would applaud someone who wanted to take him up."

Fry is convinced the new team, which will be the first start-up new entry since Toyota in 2002, will be serious contender. Toyota spent at least £600 million getting their team on to the Formula One grid but took over three seasons to claim their first podium. Any new team would have considerably less resources but Fry is convinced by the prospects for a Honda junior outfit.
"These are credible people with motor racing experience and the financial backing to do the job. We are not talking about an under-funded team here, and clearly they have convinced Honda, Bernie Ecclestone and us that this has got potential. They have a high degree of capability, proven capability to put together a team."