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If Anyone Can Afford $1 Billion, the Arabs Can

By Marc • November 18, 2004

Via Bloomberg:

Dubai may spend as much as $1 billion during the next seven years setting up the first independent Formula One motor-racing team since 1997, for which McLaren driver David Coulthard may race, Arabian Business reported.

The team, to be called Team Dubai F1, will start building a technical center and a wind tunnel for aerodynamic testing in the U.K. next year at a cost of more than $100 million, the Dubai, United Arab Emirates monthly magazine reported in its December issue.

The team, which will be based in Dubai, will have a budget of about $150 million a year and run its first race in the 2006 world championship, the magazine said, without saying where it got its information. Coulthard may be the lead driver for the team, which may use Mercedes-Benz AG engines, the magazine said.

There are a lot of “mays” in this story. Coulthard “may” drive, Mercedes “may” supply engines, and the UAE magazine provided no source for it’s information.

Let’s just call this developing….. and wait and see.

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3 Responses to “ If Anyone Can Afford $1 Billion, the Arabs Can ”

  1. George Nov 20th, 2004 at 2:06 am

    The average cost is actually less than 143 mill per year. But, what is left after the initial capital is layed out to accquire facilities & equipment? It’ll be a lot less then 143 mill!! Especialy if they outsource everything. We have Ferrari Junior in the Sauber effort, soon Jordan will be a clone of Toyota and these guys will be McLaren of the oasis!

  2. rgterghwerh Nov 22nd, 2004 at 11:05 am

    Dubai F1 is not going to be funded by the al maktoums Emirates air kines arenot involved. sheik Ahmen president of Emirates air lines is only a Patron of the team HE IS NOT! putting any money in. This Idea is conjered up by Russelle King and John Byfield the deal is they will find the mony manage the team and Aheik Ahmed is a patron @he might get a cut@ It will never happen read Bussiness F1 November months issue

  3. marc Nov 22nd, 2004 at 8:59 pm

    “rgterghwerh,” judging by your comment I’m guessing English is your second language.

    If you re-read my post and the Bloomberg link you will find no references to Ahmen president of Emirates air lines. In fact you will find zero references to who is funding this team, so maybe you can explain your comment.