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Midland become Formula One's first Russian team
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-18 11:30
LONDON, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Midland will become the first team to race in
Formula One under the Russian flag next season, owner Alex Shnaider said on
Thursday.
The team, owned by the Russian-born Canadian billionaire who
bought out Irish entrepreneur Eddie Jordan in January, have been granted an
official racing licence by the Russian Automobile Federation.
"As a Russian-born person, I am extremely pleased that the team founded by
Midland Group will compete in the Formula One world championship with a Russian
identity," said Shnaider in a statement.
"It has always been Midland's intention to enter F1 with a Russian licence --
an association which reflects this project's core targets and values.
"I believe that Midland Group's decision to enter its team under the Russian
flag will push forward the development of Russia's motorsport and open new
horizons for Russian racing drivers at the international level," added Shnaider.
Midland launched their team in Moscow's Red Square in February this year,
promising to bring a Russian flavour to Formula One.
No Russian drivers are in the frame for 2006 however, with Dutchman
Christijan Albers signed up and Portugal's Tiago Monteiro expected to join him.
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