Prodrive has now secured an engine deal “in principle” for the 2008 season.
That is the information of David Richards, chairman and boss of F1’s incoming twelfth team, who is running Aston Martin’s effort this weekend at Le Mans.
Strong rumours suggest that Prodrive will link-up for both engine and chassis supply next year with McLaren-Mercedes, and Ron Dennis demanded recently that pen must be put to paper within the next few weeks.
PA Sport quotes Richards as saying at Le Mans in France: “We have an agreement in principle for an engine deal, but we’re not going to announce anything yet.”
That announcement is scheduled for Silverstone to coincide with July’s British grand prix.
“We’re on schedule,” Richards confirmed, explaining that his “full attention” will turn to Prodrive’s F1 entry after the chequered flag at Le Mans.
He tried to play down expectations for his outfit’s first year at the pinnacle of motor sport but nonetheless predicted a berth in “the top half of the grid”.
“We have to be realistic,” Richards said. “There are some exceptional teams who have been in the sport for a long time.
“But with the route we’re going to take, and with the relationship we will have with our partner team, I’m expecting us to be in the top half of the grid.”
