Richards undecided over F1 team identity

The brand identity of David Richards' prospective new formula one team for 2010 is not certain.

The former Benetton and Honda team boss was in the Middle East this week for talks with potential investors about a budget-capped team debut next year.

But it has been reported that while his British racing engineering group Prodrive would be the driving force behind the team, it may actually be named after his luxury sports car brand Aston Martin.

Richards, 56, told the Qatar daily the Peninsula: "It's not absolutely certain that Aston Martin will be the brand that we go to formula one with."

In a media statement on Thursday, Richards welcomed the FIA's introduction of a voluntary 40m pounds sterling budget cap for 2010 but admitted some concern about the current state of the sport.

"It is important for us and our partners that there is stability with broad alignment on the future direction of formula one and this will be a critical issue in our decision making process," he said.

On Richards' visit to Qatar this week, he suggested that "part of" his F1 team could be based in the Gulf region.

"We've had some very positive discussion (in the region) so far, and I believe we are moving in the right direction," he added.