Richards hints at Aston Martin F1 future

David Richards believes there is a chance Aston Martin could enter Formula One in five years’ time.

The former Benetton and BAR team principal is due to return to the sport next year with his own Prodrive organisation.

However, Richards and a consortium of investors recently acquired a controlling stake in Aston Martin from Ford, who were forced to sell to tackle their own financial troubles.

Given Richards’ links to Formula One, the famous brand could soon join the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Renault at the elite end of motorsport.

“In five years Formula One could be realistic for Aston,” confirmed Richards.

For now, Richards is committed to ensuring Prodrive make their own successful entry as a ’customer’ team, where they will be supplied with a chassis by a current manufacturer.

“One thing is clear, Prodrive will not build its own car. We never intended that,” insisted Richards in German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

“If you look at the examples of Honda and Toyota, they have shown just how expensive it is to be successful with their own car.

“So we will work with an existing team.”

Recent speculation has linked Prodrive with McLaren, however, Richards concedes he has “three options”, with one to be chosen “soon”.

His ambitions are clear, though, adding: “I have two conditions – the first is we must be competitive, and at the most in five years also profitable.”

Richards’ competitiveness is such he is looking to finish eighth next season of the 12 teams on the grid.

Richards also claims to have signed up a title sponsor, with the hope now he can keep within a set budget.

“The contract with the title sponsor is signed,” said Richards.

“So since Christmas I’ve only worried about Aston Martin rather than Formula 1.”

He added: “FIA president Max Mosley said some time ago that $100m annually must be enough to maintain a successful Formula One team – that is also my goal.”