The reason why Durango dropped out from the GP2 Series at the end of last year was because the Italian outfit experienced some severe financial troubles at the time. So how come they're thinking of Formula One, you might ask. Well, according to the team's boss Ivone Pinton, the new sponsors found by him would fancy an F1 programme, as compared to yet another participation in a low-rated series.
“After all the wrong things that happened last season we tried our best to look for new partners in our racing activity. It did not take too long to understand that the interest could be aroused just about Formula 1 and nothing else. So we pushed towards this direction and I can say that, to enter F1, we can now enjoy the backing of two very big international groups,” announced Pinton, according to Autosport.
“So even keeping the feet on the ground as we say in Italy, because up till now this is just a serious attempt, I like to consider that after so many years spent pushing young drivers to become future champions now the time has come to strongly push Durango as a team towards the motorsport pinnacle,” added the Italian official.
According to the FIA statement, all intentions to apply for the 13th spot in F1 must be made by April 15th, meaning next week, while the definitive announcement on the lucky winner to be made in July. So far, there have been two outspoken bids for that spot – except for Durango – namely Spanish team Epsilon Euskadi and Serbian outfit Stefan GP. US F1's plans for the 2011 season are still unknown, despite the recent reports that the Americans are looking to try and become part of the series once again next year (after their failed bid in 2010).
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