In an on-line conference call this afternoon, Richard Parry-Jones and Tony Purnell attempted to shed further insight into the Redbull Racing Team.
As can be expected, neither Parry-Jones nor Purnell was willing to give anything away regarding the financial aspects of the sale, therefore all such questions were briskly brushed aside.
Furthermore, despite repeated pressure, nobody was giving away anything regarding the identity of potential drivers, though it's understood the team will be testing a number of hopefuls, including experienced drivers, and drivers from the Red Bull Driver Search scheme, in the months ahead.
A number of questions regarding the possibility of David Coulthard driving, or even testing, for the new team, were diplomatically dealt with.
First off, Parry-Jones explained what Ford was looking for when it came to potential purchasers: "All the priority was finding someone with the ability to make a success of the team," he said. "We looked for a knowledge of F1, of motorsport, someone with vision, a business plan and the requisite level of financial backing.
"Red Bull was a clear leader in all aspects," he added. "Also the company was in a position to act quickly, which was highly important."
"This (deal) is a logical conclusion for Red Bull," added Tony Purnell. "It's a well known company and an avid motorsports promoter.
"It's a good deal for Red Bull, and it's a good deal for Ford," he continued.
Asked if, as a result of the recent problems, the team had 'eased up' on development, Parry-Jones was quick to respond.
"We couldn't sell the team or even have completed the (2004) season unless we continued as normal," he said. "We have kept everything in place to allow the new owners to continue."
"Ford have been very good," added Purnell, "they have continued the business as a going concern.
"The windtunnel testing has continued uninterrupted," he added, "it's been business as usual. The RB1 will be a good, solid car for next year."
Both men were keen to point out that that no immediate changes are planned, and that Red Bull wants stability as the team moves forward. Furthermore, suggestions that part of the team might be relocated to Austria, home of Red Bull, were brushed aside.
"England is the centre of the motorsport world," said Purnell. "There is no intention of 'shipping abroad'. Red Bull is a global company," he added.
On the subject of budget, and whether things would continue as they did under Ford, Purnell said: "Red Bull hasn't gone into this lightly. They're serious, and in time will want to see success."
As to the team's ambitions for 2005: "The uncertainty hasn't helped," admitted Purnell, "but now we're back on course."
On the subject of tyres, the team doesn't currently have a deal, however Purnell admitted that since the 2005 car has been designed 'around' Michelin tyres, Red Bull will be seeking a new deal with the French manufacturer.
Pitpass editor, Chris Balfe, has already claimed that today's news is fantastic news for F1, does Purnell agree? "It's terrific news," he said. "Red Bull is a young and energetic company. They want to make a splash. This is nothing but good news for F1."
Max Mosley recently referred to the ageing men, wearing team jackets, that sit on the pit-wall, effectively playing at F1. Purnell was asked if he thought Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz might want a 'hands on' roll within the team: "I think you will see the same line-up on the pit-wall," said the Englishman. "Mr Mateschitz does not crave publicity, far from it."
As for the relationship between Red Bull and Cosworth, Richard Parry-Jones was keen to explain: "Our role has been to find reputable buyers, but also to find the right deal to allow the two companies to continue.
"Part of the process has been to broker a mutually acceptable deal between Cosworth and Red Bull. It was pointless Red Bull buying Jaguar if it didn't have an engine supply, just as it was pointless for Kevin Kalkhoven and Gerald Forsythe to buy Cosworth and not have an F1 team to sell engines to."
The engines will be badged Cosworth, Parry-Jones revealed, with no mention of Ford.
So, would Ford ever consider returning to F1?
"You can never say never," said Parry-Jones. "Ford didn't take this decision lightly, it has a long, thirty-five year involvement in F1.
