Caterham has been given dispensation to run its 2014 car in the 2015 championship, thereby making the team more attractive to a potential buyer.

The decision to allow the move was taken at last week's meeting of the Formula One Commission in an effort to make the team even more attractive to potential purchasers who would not then have to spend money building a new car. It would also ease pressure in terms of the timeframe also as rival teams designs for the new season are already well advanced.

"The F1 Commission and FIA agreed if it would assist the weaker teams they can use the 2014 car next year, so giving them more time and options," Finbarr O'Connell told Press Association Sport. "That is of interest to all the parties I'm talking to because it gives them a choice, an easier start to get into F1 if they chose that route. It helps."

While O'Connell previously said he had just three weeks in which to complete a deal to sell the team, this new move gives him more time, though he admits he would prefer to conclude a sale sooner rather than later.

"Before Christmas would still be ideal," he said. "It now doesn't have to happen by then, but the earlier the better from my point of view, and I'm encouraging people as much as I can.

"It's a very difficult purchase decision for any party because of the huge costs involved in running a F1 team," he admitted. "I'm still talking to a few interested parties, and I'm hoping one of them can do the deal. The number of people I'm talking to has increased, with two very strong candidates, and a third less strong. All I can do is show what I have, show the team, the assets and the facilities, and facilitate in any way I can with them making a decision. I remain confident something will be done."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Paul C, 02/12/2014 5:16

"Give Caterham to Gene Haas for pocket change as a practice team. Call it the New Vanwall Plan. "

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2. Posted by nealio, 01/12/2014 18:04

"Who will be interested in buying into a guaranteed last place in the manufacturers championship? Only a Ecclestone type "business" man who might gain a net profit thru the points fund distribution scheme. Maybe you can flog a dead horse to some purpose but it isn't racing and it isn't what F1 should aspire to. "

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3. Posted by Chris Roper, 01/12/2014 13:32

"Common sense in the The F1 Commission and FIA, it makes a pleasant change.
Lets hope someone gets an F1 Team for Christmas as a result."

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Caterham permitted to use 2014 car in 2015

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