Dubai keen to enter F1 team

Bernie Ecclestone has promised his support to a team from Dubai entering Formula One.

A member of Dubai’s royal family has today announced plans to buy into the sport, with the prospect a team could be competing next season.

The Middle East made its Formula One debut as a venue this year when Bahrain hosted a grand prix in April, and interest in the region has since soared.

A statement on behalf of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum, president of Dubai’s civil aviation, was issued this morning to confirm his interest in buying a Formula One team.

“The Emirate of Dubai is pleased to announce that following extensive planning and development, Grand Prix Investments (GPI) is in negotiations to acquire, operate and manage a Formula One team, to be headquartered in Dubai,” the statement read.

Formula One supremo Ecclestone would be delighted to welcome a team from the Middle East as he told PA Sport: “It would be good for Formula One as a whole. It would be super.

“I would be very supportive, but let’s see if it happens, although I am hopeful.”

It is understood the independent teams involved in Formula One – Jordan, Minardi and BAR, have been approached by representatives of the al-Maktoum family.

Financially-troubled Jordan are believed to be al-Maktoum’s target, with the team retaining their factory-base at Silverstone, albeit run from Dubai.

Al-Maktoum has refused to confirm the team he and his advisors are currently in talks with, however added: “I am delighted to reconfirm my support to GPI and the purchase of a Formula One team, which will then become known as the official Dubai team.

“This is an exciting time for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as the team will compete with the very best in motorsport and assist in promoting the country on a global basis.”

Jordan is believed to have had offers in the past to relocate outside Europe and team principal Eddie Jordan was this weekend rumoured to be on the verge of selling shares in his team.

A statement issued by the team has not dismissed the speculation as it read: “Jordan Grand Prix has read with interest the statement issued by the Emirate of Dubai.

“The team is frequently associated with such stories and the prospect of Jordan Grand Prix being in talks is not extraordinary. Until there is something to report the team has no comment.”