Rodin Cars Formula 1 bid quashed
New Zealand-based Rodin Cars has revealed that it participated in the recent FIA process aimed at gaining entry into the Formula 1 World Championship, but its bid was unsuccessful.
Founder of Rodin Cars, David Dicker, said recent information suggests, as anticipated from the outset of the process, that the only successful applicant will be Andretti Global, however he outlined the significant differences between the Andretti and Rodin bids, which include guaranteeing a female driver would be part of the team.
Dicker said his comments are intended to provide insight into the key points of Rodin’s bid that the company believes justified its merit, emphasising that the objective was not to criticise the FIA or seek a re-consideration of its decision. “We fully respect and accept the outcome. Our sole purpose is to release information we consider in the public interest to inform the Formula 1 community,” said Dicker.
Rodin proposed building the cars at its state-of-the-art facility in New Zealand, making the constructor the only current Formula 1 manufacturer in the Southern Hemisphere.
“While we have not produced a large volume of cars, we have a very extensive manufacturing facility in New Zealand. This includes an engine facility capable of building an entire engine from the castings up. Additionally, Rodin Cars has full composite capabilities and our own test tracks,” said Dicker.
“We are particularly proud to announce that we have a fully functional prototype of our FZero, a car designed to challenge Formula 1 lap times. This car has been conceived and designed in New Zealand. The gearbox is built by Ricardo to a Rodin concept and the 4-litre V10 engine has been developed by Neil Brown Engines, again to a Rodin concept.
“The assembly, fabrication and testing of the car has been done entirely within our facility in New Zealand.
According to Dicker, Rodin had the opportunity of discussions for a Ferrari collaboration on the F1 car.
Rodin also committed to reserving one seat for a female driver. “We have tested Liam Lawson, Jamie Chadwick (pictured, below) and Louis Sharp at our facility in New Zealand, in both an F3 car and our own car, the Rodin FZed, which is a car somewhat quicker than a GP2/F2 car. Jamie performed exceptionally well, and if she was available, we would have no hesitation in putting her in a seat,” said Dicker.
“Through our acquisition of Carlin, we have established a comprehensive junior open-wheel program encompassing F4, GB3, F3, and F2. While Andretti has a long history of successful participation in US racing, our program offers a direct ladder to an F1 drive by competing in UK and European championships.”
According to Dicker, unlike recent applicants, Rodin is financially equipped to fully fund the Formula 1 program from Dicker’s personal wealth.
“We appreciate the opportunity to have participated in the FIA process and extend our best wishes to Andretti for their successful bid. Rodin Cars remains committed to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and will continue to pursue excellence in the world of racing,” he added.
