Stefan GP cancels test

Formula 1 hopefuls Stefan Grand Prix have been forced to call off a test in Portugal this week after failing to secure a tire supply from Bridgestone. The Serbian outfit hopes to race with Jacques Villeneuve and Kazuki Nakajima this season as US F1 continues to struggle with its preparations.

Stefanovic hopes to compete with 2009 Toyota chassis

With the American team having questioned F1 governing body the FIA about skipping races whilst Stefan continues to develop its car after purchasing key components from Toyota at the end of last year, the Belgrade-based team has already said that it plans to run its contender over the course of the season, should it not secure a place on the starting grid.

However, although the Stefan 01 chassis is ready, a test at Portimão has been cancelled as no tires are available. "We cannot do the test at the moment and we are still trying to find a solution," team owner Zoran Stefanovic explained to Autosport, with Bridgestone permitted to supply only those teams which are entered for this year's championship.

Formula 1's sole tire supplier can provide only those teams signed up for the 2010 campaign
"We have no tires and will not test on tires that are not suitable for the car to go testing at full speed. We now need to see what our options are – but we definitely need to do something to sort this situation out."

Stefanovic added that his team awaits further news on the US F1 situation and reiterated that ex Williams racer Nakajima and 1997 Champion Villeneuve are likely to shape the squad's line-up, should it be racing in 2010.

"We have already agreed terms with Nakajima and we expect to conclude a deal with Villeneuve," the businessman continued. "We think it is a good decision for us and it makes sense for him." GPUpdate.net