• Team News

Campos might not test before Bahrain

Team boss Adrian Campos is still looking for investors © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Drivers:
• Adrián Campos
• |
• Bruno Senna

• Teams:
• HRT

Campos Meta could miss all of the pre-season tests ahead of its debut race in Bahrain.

The strength of its finances has been in doubt for several weeks, with some reports suggesting it is struggling to pay chassis builder Dallara. Team owner Adrian Campos has admitted he is searching for more investors and, according to reports in Europe, is close to a €20 million (US$28 million) deal with A1 GP boss Tony Texeiria. But despite the potential injection of funds, head of strategy Daniel Eisen has told the Associated Press that the team will have to treat the opening race as a test session.

"Bahrain is a test, it's not a first race for us," Eisen said. "The cars are very advanced, we have a driver under contract and our intention is to be in Bahrain for the first race. Everybody's worried and that's logical because the season is long and we're the new ones. But first things first, we want to be there with the best of everything - especially the cars. It's no secret that we are negotiating with investors and sponsors, especially on an international scale. But everything is going according to plan."

However, in a conflicting report, Texeiria has told Reuters that he has been assured by Campos that the team will make at least two of the scheduled pre-season tests.

"I am aware of that [Associated Press] report but that's not what the team principal tells me," he said. "They may make the second test but definitely the third and they will make the [first] race. The second test is the target."

Teixeira added that he is not the only bidder hoping to buy into Campos, and confirmed his plans to associate the deal with his struggling single seater series A1 GP.

"There's more than one group talking to Campos and for us it has got to be part of an A1 deal," he added. "It's all for A1. My ambition is to bring A1 into F1."

A1 GP driver Adam Carroll has recently been linked to the team if Texeiria buys into it. However, F2 champion Andy Soucek is also in the running now he has secured a full sponsorship package.

"Negotiations with Campos are on standby," Soucek said. "I am hoping for Adrian's call this week."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.