Irvine Thinking Of Buying Minardi?

[JayStorm 0]

Minardi team owner Paul Stoddart has revealed that a group fronted by former Ferrari ace Eddie Irvine is one of five potential buyers looking at purchasing an F1 team.

Following in the foot-steps of Russian-born Canadian steel tycoon Alex Shnaider and marketing magnate Dietrich Mateschitz who both bought F1 teams in the last year, Irvine, with financial backing of Russian money man Roustam Tariko, has been linked with a bid to acquire Minardi.

"I spoke to Eddie back in Monaco on a what-if basis, but I believed at that time they were looking at Jordan," said Stoddart.

"I want to stress that we have not had any discussions. I am aware he is shopping, but they are one of five people that I know who are shopping at the moment."

Stoddart said however that his preferred option has always been to sell to a manufacturer - Hyundai is rumoured to be interested in an F1 programme.

"We're the only team for sale, I think everyone accepts that, and I have made it clear, particularly if there was any manufacturer involvement, that I would always be willing to sell.

"If ever the right one comes along, I would sell if I thought the team could go further under them than it could under me.

"I would love to have talks with Hyundai, but I have had no approach from them at all."

The outspoken Australian team boss, who has fought to keep his under-funded team on the grid for five years, says that if there are potential buyers out there it is time for them to put their money where there mouth is.

"There are always people sniffing around, but we have had too many false starts so I am going by numbers now," he said.

"You just can't take any of it seriously unless there is money on the table."

JS.

[rodders47 2]

if there are potential buyers out there it is time for them to put their money where there mouth is.

Well this is for sure ONE thing Eddie is good at -- Opening his mouth

Not sure that any input Eddie will have would make a scrap of difference to Minardi though. SO FAR BEHIND the 8 ball is difficult to see anyone getting them up to the pointy end on the grid