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Toro Rosso not for sale - Mateschitz

ESPNF1 Staff
September 29, 2011 « Vettel only getting better - Horner | Teams' association 'unneccesary' - Ecclestone »
Dietrich Mateschitz co-owns the Red Bull brand © Getty Images
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Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz insists his Formula One teams are not for sale, although he would consider taking on a partner in Toro Rosso.

There was speculation earlier this month that Toro Rosso would be sold to the Abu Dhabi-based International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), and while its brand CEPSA has appeared as sponsorship on the cars, Mateschitz says there are no plans to sell.

"No," he told the Independent when asked if it is for sale, "although partnerships would not be ruled out, as long as the partner is the right one."

With the senior Red Bull team on the verge of its second championship success in as many years, Mateschitz said he has no plans to sell a stake in that either, but added: "A forecast is difficult and a decision always depends on the wider picture, the politics, influence of F1 shareholders and many other factors".

And he does not think it is likely Red Bull will take on a title sponsor - like Vodafone is to McLaren - as it is "difficult to find one due to the strength of the Red Bull brand".

He added: "The return on investment [for Red Bull] is the marketing value, which depends on the race performance and results."

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