Slim denies Honda buyout talks
Monday, 29 December 2008 01:26
The Telmex Racing team owned by Carlos Slim has denied reports that the Mexican billionaire is set to buy Honda?s Formula 1 outfit.
Stories circulating in the South American media and in Italian newspaper La Stampa on Saturday suggested that Slim had reached agreement on a buyout deal that would see Jenson Button and GP2 star Bruno Senna drive for the team.
However, Escuderia Telmex categorically denied the reports in a statement published on its website on Sunday.
It said Slim ?has not bought, nor is he negotiating to buy, the Honda Formula 1 team, and therefore all reports to this effect are without foundation and completely false.?
Honda team bosses Nick Fry and Ross Brawn are exploring a number of options in their efforts to find a buyer for the Brackley-based F1 team, which is fighting for survival following the Japanese manufacturer?s decision to pull out of the sport because of the economic crisis hitting the car industry.
While on-track activities have been cancelled and engine production has ceased, Honda has been continuing with development of its 2009 car to bolster the team?s attractiveness to prospective buyers as a ?turn-key? operation with full constructor facilities and a ready-to-go ?09 package.