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Stefan GP ends Toyota partnership

ESPNF1 Staff
March 22, 2010 « Melbourne will suit R30 better - Kubica | »
Zoran Stefanovic has ended is collaboration with Toyota for the time being © Stefan GP
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The Stefan Grand Prix team has ended its relationship with Toyota, having failed to make it to the Formula One grid for the 2010 season.

The FIA refused to grant the Belgrade-based outfit an entry in place of US F1 this season, and has instead invited entries for the remaining slot for 2011.

Businessman and team founder Zoran Stefanovic, having purchased chassis, engines and gearboxes from the former Toyota F1 team, said their co-operation is no longer possible as a result of the FIA decision.

"For 2010, it's not feasible to do it anymore," Stefanovic told Autosport. "We are very grateful to Toyota, which is a great company and doing a great job in what they are doing. They are now organising things differently - they are now more profit-centered in TMG in Cologne."

Despite the current situation, Stefanovic refused to rule out working with Toyota again in 2011. "We are looking for a solution which is feasible for us all the time," he said. "At the moment there is no opportunity to organise anything. We're basically looking to see which direction we will go in the very near future.

"Our intention is to start with the FIA and the process, but we have to wait and make a decision. It is not just saying yes, it is how [we do it]."

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