Honda CEO Nick Fry confirms takeover interest amid fears over F1's team's future

Nick Fry, the chief executive of Honda Racing F1, says he is "very hopeful" that the team will survive to line up on the grid at next season's curtain raiser in Melbourne on March 29.


Japanese car giant Honda confirmed its withdrawal from Formula One on Friday morning, blaming "the sudden contraction of the world economies" and ending an involvement which began in the 1960s.
The repercussions are likely to be far-reaching, with other manufacturers potentially following suit. The FIA, the sport's ruling body, has already repeated its calls for drastic cost-cutting measures.
But even as the soul searching hits fever pitch, Fry is claiming that a trio of prospective buyers have expressed a serious interest in taking over the Brackley-based Formula One team, which he described as a "desirable asset".
"In the last 12 hours we've had three serious people come to us and suggest they would like to buy the team, so we're still hoping to be there in Melbourne," Fry said.
"The one thing I would say is that this is a completely different situation from prior Formula One teams stopping.
"This team is one of the best funded, has the best assets, the best resources in the pit lane, a fantastic group of people, and a car designed by Ross Brawn, who has won many world championships, and is ready to go next year.
"I think we are going to be a desirable asset for somebody. We are very hopeful, as are most of the commentators in Formula One, that this team is going to take a big step upwards, so it is a big opportunity for somebody."
Formula One's commercial rights-holder, Bernie Ecclestone, who faces the prospect of running an 18-car grid next season, endorsed Fry's view.
"It's a big, big shame for Honda because I have no doubt they would have been running in the top four next year without any problems," he said.
"They have spent a lot of money to put themselves in that position, so if anyone does want to be in Formula One, this is a team they should certainly look to buy."
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