25/09/2014
NEWS STORY
McLaren racing director Eric Boullier has dismissed talk of a third car in 2015 claiming that there is simply not enough time in which to prepare.
While the possibility of third cars has been mooted for some time, (former) Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo among the most vocally supportive of the prospect, chances of such a move have increased as a number of current teams encounter financial difficulty.
Caterham, supposedly under new ownership courtesy of a 'Middle East/Swiss consortium' is widely thought to be facing the prospect of going the same way as HRT during the off-season, whilst there remains a question mark over Marussia, Sauber and even Lotus.
As recently as last weekend Bernie Ecclestone admitted not only that the prospect of teams entering three cars was a strong possibility but that he welcomed the idea.
Speaking in the latest McLaren phone-in however, Boullier insisted that it is too late for teams to prepare a third chassis in time for 2015.
"I think the driver is the easiest to get on board," he said. "The chassis and third car logistics and people around, we would need at least six months' notice."
Speaking in Singapore, Ecclestone said he welcomed the prospect of three Ferraris on the grid, seemingly unaware of how badly the Maranello outfit is struggling this season and with no end to its current lean spell in sight.
Opinion between teams, fans and even the Pitpass crew, is divided, which must surely be extremely encouraging for Gene Haas who is looking to enter the sport in 2016.
Caterham, along with Marussia (and HRT), entered the sport in 2010 lured by the incentive of a budget cap that would level the playing field. No surprises that those teams most eager to see third cars were also those most opposed to said cap.
Chris Balfe