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Stefan GP cancels test

Stefan GP cannot get a supply of tyres © Sutton Images

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Stefan GP has called off its test in the Algarve this week after it failed to secure a supply of suitable tyres.

Formula One's official tyre producer Bridgestone is only contracted to supply teams with an entry to the F1 world championship. As a result it is not obliged to provide tyres to Stefan GP, despite the team having a complete car and engine ready to test. Team owner Zoran Stefanovic had hoped to run the car on GP2 rubber, as other F1 teams have done in the past, but the date was decided at too short notice for Bridgestone.

"We cannot do the test at the moment and we are still trying to find a solution," Stefanovic told Autosport. "We have no tyres and will not test on tyres 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."

Its best chance of securing a grid slot, and therefore a tyre supply to test, is replacing a no-show. Campos' future now looks more secure but US F1 has asked the FIA if it can skip the first four races of the season, creating a potential opening. However, Stefanovic said that he is still waiting on a reply from the FIA as to whether his team would be allowed to run instead.

"We are expecting that the situation will be clarified soon," he said. "Everybody knows that some teams are facing certain problems, and we are looking to clarify this situation."

Stefanovic also revealed he is now very close to confirming both his drivers.

"We have already agreed terms with [Kazuki] Nakajima, and we expect to conclude a deal with [Jacques] Villeneuve. We think it is a good decision for us, and it makes sense for him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.