“All I can say is that I have made it very clear that the only terms I would ever consider a return or an involvement was if I felt we could be competitive – and nobody expects to win in their first year of Formula One,” said Richards during his visit at the Autosport International Show on Thursday.
He also pointed out that the fluctuant economical situation does come into play when considering to enter the Great Circle. Despite the latest cost cutting measures introduced by the FIA to make the sport more attractive to outside investors, Richards believes that it won't be until 2010 that it will have any effect on the teams' budgets.
“It has also got to be financially viable. You expect to (have to) invest but you also expect it to work. I just personally feel that the current environment is too unsettled. The cost-cutting process that has been put in place has not yet seen its full benefit, and I don't think it will be until 2010 that you will see those issues roll out properly. The teams have still got a burden of overhead that is unsustainable. So consequently, the window of time for entry, I just question whether it is right at the moment,” added the Prodrive boss.
Richards was rumored to seek financial backing from Kuweit-based investors for purchasing Honda's F1 operations ahead of the 2009 season. It would have been a great opportunity to return to Formula 1 and to the team that he left in the runner-up position at the end of 2004. However, he insisted business is all he thinks about when considering a future F1 return.
“We were runner up that year behind Ferrari, and everyone assumes I would be motivated to go back for the last push. That is not what motivates me at all. It will be a business decision, it will be a hard-headed business decision not an emotive one, when I make it,” added Richards.
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