The FIA confirmed the acceptance of Dave Richards application into the 2008 Formula One world championship, the former BAR boss now the official twelfth team on the grid, joining the eleven currently racing in the series. While a total of twelve prospective teams applied for the final slot, the FIA believe Richards Prodrive outfit was the best possible choice.

Naturally he is thrilled with the news that he is the one that won the final pit box available on the grids around the world and now he must put his plan into action to bring a formidable squad to the fore when the 2008 season kicks off. This should not be too much of a problem, as he did the exact same thing in the world of Rally and now that costs are being reduced in Formula One, he is confident of doing the same here.

"We needed radical change that allows us to come to the sport with a fresh approach," Richards was quoted as saying in the Telegraph. “When we entered the World Rally Championship no one had heard of Subaru. Teams like Toyota and Ford would go around the world with 150 people and 30 trailers. We flew everybody in and out in two helicopters. In the new era I think F1 teams are going to have to look at how they manage their business.”

"There will be a Prodrive team, just as there is a McLaren and a Williams team that have often had close relationships with manufacturers. That would be my desired route. We have had approaches from two or three manufacturers over the last 18 months saying that if we got an entry would we then like to go and speak to them. So let's see if they are still standing there now."

So what about drivers? Well, at this stage Richards is planning on showcasing British talent…

"At Subaru we gave opportunities to young British drivers, taking first Colin McRae, then Richard Burns to the world rally title," Richards said. "That is a goal of mine in Formula One."