HRT F1 team to be revived by Americans and Canadians
Reports – including in the Spanish newspaper AS – claim a group of investors from Canada and the US want to enter this year's world championship with an evolution of HRT's 2012 car, featuring a Cosworth engine and Williams gearbox.
The team is reportedly called Scorpion Racing, and the Press Association said it would be based at Silverstone and operate with equipment bought from HRT.
But there could be an issue with getting up and running for 2013, given that the official entry deadline for this season's championship closed last November.
Bernie Ecclestone is quoted as saying: "I've spoken to them and told them to get in touch with the FIA and ask for an entry.
"They want to buy all the bits from HRT, then form a company and ask for an entry, but I personally don't think it will happen. It's all a bit too late. Maybe they could do it for next year."
The Press Association said the FIA did not want to respond in detail until it receives more 'concrete' information from Scorpion.
01/29/13 It is understood a group of Canadian and American investors are at an advanced stage with regard to purchasing defunct Spanish marque HRT, who were liquidated at the end of last year.
The group, which would apparently set up their base at Silverstone and use updated versions of last year's HRT cars, are believed to be close to completing due diligence.
However, given the FIA's entry deadline for this season closed at the end of November, it is highly unlikely motor sport's world governing body would bend the rules to allow Scorpion Racing to compete.
Ecclestone said: "I've spoken to them and told them to get in touch with the FIA and ask for an entry.
"They want to buy all the bits from HRT, then form a company and ask for an entry, but I personally don't think it will happen. It's all a bit too late. Maybe they could do it for next year."
The FIA has confirmed they have received nothing substantial so far from Scorpion Racing, and will only evaluate the matter when they get something more concrete. Sporting life
01/29/13 A group of Canadian and American investors are pushing to try and secure HRT's entry slot in Formula 1, but they may have to wait until 2014 before being allowed to join the grid.
Sources have revealed that negotiations to purchase the HRT company and secure an entry are at an advanced stage, and the plan for a team known as Scorpion Racing appears to have the blessing of F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone.
However, the FIA believes the 12th entry slot for 2013 was closed off when it was informed at the end of last season that HRT had been liquidated. Although the governing body is aware of the plans for Scorpion Racing, it does not appear to have any intention of making a special case to allow another team in for 2013 because the entry deadline closed last November.
The investors behind Scorpion Racing are hoping to complete due diligence of the buy-out plans in the next few days. That means the viability of their plans should become clearer by the end of the week. Racer.com