Stefan GP to Test New Car in Portimao, Could Sign Nakajima

Stefan GP really means business, as the Serbian team doesn't seem to let go their desire to be part of the Formula One championship from as early as the season opening round in Bahrain. According to the team's latest press release, their newly purchased car from Toyota F1 Team will hit the track for testing later this month.

To be more precise, the first testing session with the Stefan S-01 – official designation of the former Toyota TF110, which the team bought from the Japanese manufacturer last week – will take place on the Portuguese venue of Portimao, between February 25 to 28.

The press release also states that the car will use the Stefan RG-01 engine – also purchased from Toyota – developed by the TMG. Additionally, Stefan GP announced that the 3 days of testing will see 2 drivers taking the Stefan S-01 to the Portuguese track, but their names will remain anonymous until a later date. One hint offered by Stefan is that one of these 2 drivers already has a 2-year experience in Formula One.

Which brings us to our first supposition of the day. According to several reports, but also trusting out own instincts on that, Stefan GP can only refer to former Williams-Toyota driver Kazuki Nakajima. The Japanese driver was ousted by Frank Williams at the end of last season and has been looking for a job in F1 ever since.

As you all know, Nakajima is a Toyota protege, this being his main advantage when being offered the Williams job two years ago. In exchange for F1 engine supply, the Japanese manufacturer paved his way to Williams F1. When Frank Williams decided to end the engine partnership, Nakajima was no longer preferred by the British team.

During the course of this week, Stefan GP announced that they have already shipped a “40 foot container full of equipment to the race in Bahrain without having entry for 2010 season.”