As Formula One will travel to the aforementioned region on a regular basis starting this season – with Abu Dhabi Grand Prix joining the Bahrain race in the 2009 calendar – Richards thinks attracting the necessary sponsors to set up an F1 operation will not be that hard.
While finally confirming he is very interested in his new F1 project, Richards revealed he already had two offers from a couple of investors in the region.
“I am looking seriously at that ... option, that's why I'm here,” said Richards in an interview with Abu Dhabi's The National, as reported by GMM news agency.
“There are discussions to be held here in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and elsewhere. There is a tremendous amount of interest in what we are doing. Two individuals have approached me wanting to be part of this project,” added the 56-year old Welshman.
A potential entry of his Aston Martin in the Great Circle remain unlikely though, as Richards admitted he is very interested in taking up FIA's offer in terms of engine supply. Also, he is looking at the possibility of benefiting from an European base for his future team, as it would be easier from a testing & operational point of view.
In addition, the former F1 team manager insisted he will not take on a high-profile role within the new team, but appoint a younger team principal to take care of business.
As announced by the FIA last week, the entry list for the 2010 season received an increase to 26 cars. Which means, apart from the already-confirmed US GPE, two other potential teams have been invited to step into the Great Circle.
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