» Prodrive rules out F1 … for now…

Prodrive boss David Richards has ruled out any consideration of his outfit joining Formula 1 until the 2013 season at least.

The outfit was one of several aspirant teams to apply for a berth on the 2010 Formula 1 grid, but it’s application was later rejected by the FIA. The collapse of the USF1 outfit in the weeks leading up to the 2010 season prompted the FIA to reopen the selection process to boost the grid for the 2011 season, but Prodrive decided not to apply again.

Speaking at the AUTOSPORT International Motor Show, Richards admitted that his outfit’s main focus is on its teams competing in the World Rally Championship and the Le Mans Series.

Until the new engine regulations kick in for the 2013 season, he added, Formula 1 is simply not on Prodrive’s radar.

“We always keep a close eye on everything, but my priority today is to get the Mini up and running for the World Rally Championship and to get Aston Martin competitive in time for Le Mans,” Richards said.

“The obvious next point to look at Formula 1 is 2013 with the massive change in regulations that come along at that point in time, and if you were to consider an entry that would be the time to go,” he added.

Richards has previously acted as a team manager in Formula 1 with Benetton and BAR.

[Original image via LAT]