With the failed bid from USF1 it seemed that the American dream to enter a team in to Formula 1 was over for the near future, this was until the Cypher Group came along with their bid.
We caught up with their first driver signing Jonathan Summerton and go the lowdown on the latest bid.
“Cypher Group was formed by a group of championship winning F1 personnel with great drive and many years of experience behind them.” said Summerton talking exclusively to TheCheckeredFlag.co.uk
“They believe the return of the USA is a positive step for Formula 1 as a whole and are working hard to achieve this. I think that a ‘Born in the USA’ team would be a great motivator not only for the United States and it's Formula 1 fans, but for the whole continent and hopefully bringing more interest and new fans to the sport.”
The failed USF1 entry put a dent in the ‘Born in the USA’ dream but Summerton feels it is different this time around.
“I believe that people should be judged on their own merits and independently of other’s past actions. Cypher has brought together some very dedicated and motivated people who are striving to bring America back into F1. Also the people behind Cypher are very structured in their approach and function more like a conventional F1 Team already. Given their vast F1 experience they know how best to set up, and run a F1 team. They recognise it's no small task but have stepped up to the plate to give it their best shot!”
We questioned Summerton on the F1 personnel that the team have employed already but the young American gave nothing away.
“For the moment we are concentrating as a team on achieving our common goal. F1 2011. Individual profiles is not what is important at the moment, all that can come out later when we as a team make it as the 13th entry in the FIA Formula One World Championship. They’re not keeping quiet, they’re just concentrating on the task at hand.”
Summerton had been signed as a driver for USF1 but following the demise of the project he has been working hard to get back on track, we asked him how he felt to finally be getting somewhere again.
“It feels great. It just feels right, like I’ve found the perfect place to be. The fans have been really supportive and I hope that Cypher Group and myself will be bringing them much pride and satisfaction in the near future.”
With money playing a major part in Formula 1 we asked if the Cypher Group had already secured backing for 2011.
“Yes, unfortunately money is a harsh reality in many sports. I can only say that the Cypher Group has been in negotiations with many top corporations and individuals and I only hope that more and more will come and help put America back in F1.”
We wish Jonathan and the Cypher Group the best and will keep you updated on their progress over the next few months.
