FORMULA ONE:Former team owner Eddie Jordan has called on Richard Branson to save Honda from pulling out of Formula One. Last year, the global economic crisis forced the Japanese manufacturer to leave the sport and the clock is ticking on finding a buyer before the start of the season in Australia next month.
Branson is interested in becoming involved in Formula One but has refused to confirm he was in talks with Honda, but Jordan insists the Virgin boss would be just the man to resurrect the team.
“Knowing Honda, and winning races with Jordan thanks to a Honda engine, I want to see how they emerge from this,” Jordan said. “Can Virgin buy it? We know how good Richard Branson is, he is the world’s leading exponent in marketability.
“Even if they hand it to him for a dollar, it would do a lot of good if they can get him on the grid.
“To lose them to F1, with their history, is not something I want to see.”
Jordan believes Branson is the right man for Honda but is confident they will find a buyer.
“I’m certain they will find something,” he added. “If it’s not Richard Branson there will be others.
Jordan feels the sport will survive the credit crunch, especially under the sweeping new rules designed to add to excitement.
“We were going nowhere fast under the old system,” said Jordan. “We’re responsible for the sport and the planet, even though there is big money involved.
“There’s not a business that hasn’t been affected but I don’t fear for Formula One. I’ve seen several recessions since I’ve been involved in the sport - we’re talking about this one being tougher but when you get your head around it, it makes it revalue what is happening.”