Editing Paul Stoddart

{{Short description|Australian businessman}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=June 2011}}
{{BLP sources|date=May 2010}}
{{Infobox person
| name          = Paul Stoddart
| image         = File:Paul_Stoddart_F1GP2006.JPG
| alt           = 
| caption       = Stoddart at the [[2006 Australian Grand Prix]]
| birth_name    = 
| birth_date    = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1955|05|26}} 
| birth_place   = [[Coburg, Victoria]], [[Australia]]
| death_date    = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (DEATH date then BIRTH date) -->
| death_place   = 
| nationality   =
| other_names   = 
| occupation    = Businessman and former [[Formula One]] Team owner
| years_active  = 
| known_for     = [[Minardi]] <br> [[European Aviation]] <br> [[OzJet]]
| notable_works = 
}}
'''Paul Gerard Stoddart'''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/eMCc8-WOTRsRoX2coZtP8ZcMHTw/appointments |title=Paul Gerard STODDART |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=Companies House |access-date=21 June 2023}}</ref> (born 26 May 1955) is an [[Australians|Australian]] businessman, airline owner and former [[Minardi]] [[Formula One]] team boss.

==Personal life==
Born in [[Coburg, Victoria|Coburg]], a suburb of [[Melbourne, Victoria]], [[Australia]], and attended [[Preston Technical School]] and St Joseph's College Melbourne. Stoddart's first business was a car dealership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afr.com/companies/formula-won-20040226-ka7pj|title=Formula won|publisher=Financial Review|date=26 February 2004|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>  He was later based in England and was the [[Yugo]] car distributor for the UK and also had a hire car detailing business in Manchester detailing the ex-hire cars before sale to the public.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/the-coburg-boy-who-found-the-formula-for-winning-20020310-gdu1ck.html|title=The Coburg boy who found the formula for winning|publisher=The Age|date=10 March 2002|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>

==Aviation==
[[File:Boeing_737-229(Adv),_European_Aviation_(EAL)_JP154051.jpg|thumb|European Aviation Boeing 737-229]]
===European Aviation===
In late 1989, Stoddart purchased two [[BAC One-Eleven|BAC 1-11]] aircraft and three [[Dassault Falcon 20|Falcon 20]] business jets (and a large assortment of spare parts for both aircraft) from the Royal Australian Air Force's 'VIP Squad' (the Canberra-based No 34 SQN). Stoddart formed [[European Aviation]], hired Trevor Whetter from [[British Aerospace]] as his Managing Director and sold the [[BAC One-Eleven|BAC 1-11]] aircraft to [[Okada Air]] in [[Nigeria]].  Following discussions with British Airways, Stoddart purchased 16 aircraft, and following Dan Air's absorption into [[British Airways]], the airline was formed in 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.key.aero/article/there-wasnt-much-we-wouldnt-do|title="THERE WASN'T MUCH WE WOULDN'T DO"|publisher=Key Aero|date=13 September 2017|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>

Stoddart and European Aviation made the news in the UK during the [[coronavirus]] pandemic in 2020. [[Airbus A340]] aircraft, acquired from [[Etihad Airways]] and owned by Stoddart's business were used to transport PPE from China and Malaysia back to the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-52460823|title=Coronavirus: 'NHS' passenger plane brings PPE from China
|publisher=BBC|date=28 April 2020|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/european-aviation-responds-to-pandemic-with-plans-for-a340-cargo-fleet/139064.article|title=European Aviation responds to pandemic with plans for A340 cargo fleet|publisher=Flight Global|date=30 June 2020|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.euroav.com/news/european-aviation-acquire-10-a340-aircraft|title=European Aviation Acquire 10 A340 Aircraft
|publisher=EuroAv|date=29 January 2018|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.euroav.com/news/european-delivers-ppe-nhs|title=European delivers PPE for NHS
|publisher=EuroAv|date=28 April 2020|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>

===OzJet===
In 2005, Stoddart formed [[OzJet]] an Australian based, all business class airline. He wanted to challenge [[Qantas]] who at the time were the only domestic carrier with this luxury option. The airline flew with three [[Boeing 737]] aircraft that had 60 seats. It was not a commercial success, and in March 2006 Stoddart cancelled its commercial service and turned it into a charter airline. In 2009, OzJet was sold to [[Strategic Airlines]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.executivetraveller.com/ozjet-all-business-class-airline-australia|title=The OzJet story: Australia's short-lived 'all business class' airline|publisher=Executive Traveller|date=9 October 2009|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/business/wizard-of-ozjet-20050326-gdzuwy.html|title=Wizard of OzJet|publisher=The Age|date=26 March 2005|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>

==Formula One & ChampCar==
===Tyrrell===
In 1996, Stoddart purchased a 1990 [[Tyrrell 019]] Formula One car. During this time, he connected with Rupert Mainwaring the team manager at [[Tyrrell Racing|Tyrrell]]. In 1997, Stoddart sponsored the team with his company, European Aviation, appearing on the front wing of the car and in 1998 the rear. Stoddart's relationship with owner [[Ken Tyrrell]] grew, and the two were discussing building a wind tunnel at Stoddart's base at [[Bournemouth Airport]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grandprix.com/news/tyrrells-windtunnel-is-scrapped.html|title=Tyrrell's windtunnel is scrapped|publisher=Grandprix.com|date=15 December 1997|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> Tyrrell was lining up the sale of the team to Stoddart and in 1997, a deal of $25 million was almost agreed upon.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unracedf1.com/paul-stoddart-before-he-bought-minardi/|title=Paul Stoddart Attempts To Enter The F1 Before Minardi|date=31 July 2017 |publisher=Unraced F1|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> However, [[British American Tobacco]] ultimately would purchase Tyrrell and enter the 1999 season as [[British American Racing]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marketingweek.com/bat-poised-to-buy-tyrrell-f1-team-in-300m-deal/|title=BAT poised to buy Tyrrell F1 team in 300m deal|publisher=Marketing Week|date=13 December 1997|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> Stoddart purchased a volume of Tyrrell cars and equipment and moved them to his base in [[Ledbury]], [[Herefordshire]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/story/0,3604,458239,00.htm|title=Stoddart ready for take-off|work=The Guardian|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>

===Jordan & Arrows===
In 1999, European Aviation sponsored the [[Jordan Grand Prix]] team. There was speculation he would purchase a minority shareholding in the team from owner [[Eddie Jordan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pitpass.com/public/print_article.php?fes_art_id=10597|title=Exclusive: Paul Stoddart talks to pitpass - Part One|publisher=Pit Pass|date=6 July 2003|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>

European Aviation moved on to sponsor [[Arrows Grand Prix International|Arrows]] in {{F1|2000}} and his European Racing became the Arrows Junior Team, with driver [[Mark Webber (racing driver)|Mark Webber]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/34888/1/european-confirmed-as-arrows-juniors|title=European Confirmed As Arrows Juniors.
|publisher=Crash.net|date=9 December 1999|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>

===Minardi===
In 2001, Stoddart purchased [[Minardi]] when [[Gabriele Rumi]] sold the team to him prior to the [[2001 Formula One Season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/stoddart-poised-to-buy-minardi-5055905/5055905/|title=Stoddart Poised to Buy Minardi|publisher=Autosport|date=24 January 2001|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grandprix.com/news/stoddart-buys-minardi.html|title=Stoddart buys Minardi|publisher=Grandprix.com|date=30 January 2001|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> From purchase to the first race the team completed the [[Minardi PS01|PS01]] in six weeks. The car was emblazoned with European Aviation sponsorship and used an uprated version of the 2000 Minardi [[Fondmetal]] V10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/minardis-miraculous-f1-rebirth-even-fernando-alonso-was-building-the-car|title=Minardi's miraculous F1 rebirth: 'Even Fernando Alonso was building the car!'|publisher=Motorsport|date=5 March 2021|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.drive.com.au/news/stoddart-starts-his-race-against-time-20100823-13hd9/|title=Stoddart starts his race against time|date=2 October 2016 |publisher=Drive|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> Whilst perennial backmarkers, during 2001 future world champion [[Fernando Alonso]] drove for the team and was rated highly.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.planetf1.com/features/fernando-alonso-20-years-anniversary/|title=Alonso returns…20 years after building a Minardi
|publisher=Planet F1|date=16 March 2021|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> In 2002, Stoddart hired Australian Mark Webber who scored points on his debut at the [[2002 Australian Grand Prix]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/interview-with-paul-stoddart/1011111/?nrt=54|title=Interview with Paul Stoddart
|publisher=Motorsport|date=12 December 2002|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Minardi PS01 driven by Fernando Alonso.jpg|thumb|Minardi PS01 - Stoddart's first car as team owner]]
Finances were always a challenge for the team, as was sponsorship. In 2003, Formula One owner [[Bernie Ecclestone]] invested $4 million into the struggling team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ecclestone-buys-minardi-stake-font-faceverdana-size1iupdated-i-font-5063314/5063314/|title=Ecclestone Buys Minardi Stake|publisher=Autosport|date=14 June 2003|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>  Wilux became a lead sponsor in 2004, however terminated their agreement after they were not told the team would run without logos at the [[2004 British Grand Prix]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/48121/1/minardi-confirms-title-sponsor-wilux|title=Minardi confirms title sponsor - Wilux|publisher=Crash.net|date=3 March 2004|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f1technical.net/news/757|title=Minardi loses title sponsor Wilux|publisher=F1 Technical|date=28 July 2004|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grandprix.com/news/minardi-and-wilux.html|title=Minardi and Wilux|publisher=Grandprix.com|date=29 July 2004|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>  Stoddart had elected to run blank cars due to the death of Minardi sporting director [[John Walton (Formula One)|John Walton]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/49495/1/minardi-pay-tribute-to-john-boy|title=Minardi pay tribute to 'John Boy'.|publisher=Crash.net|date=11 July 2004|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>  In 2005, the team was sponsored by another Stoddart firm—OzJet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicanef1.com/indiv.pl?name=OZJet&type=S|title=OZJet|publisher=chicane.net|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> One of the team's greatest successes under Stoddart's ownership would come at the [[2005 United States Grand Prix]] where just six cars competed—Minardi scoring 7 points with both cars finishing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/why-i-love-the-2005-us-grand-prix/|title=WHY I LOVE: THE 2005 US GRAND PRIX|date=19 June 2020 |publisher=The Race|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/retrospective-how-the-2005-united-states-gp-farce-unfolded-4981799/4981799/|title=Retrospective: How the 2005 United States GP farce unfolded|date=19 June 2020 |publisher=Autosport|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>

Throughout his ownership, Stoddart regularly campaigned for budget caps and greater consideration of financial incentives to smaller teams like his own. This included a public battle with [[McLaren]] boss [[Ron Dennis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/bosses-verbal-fight-continues/1047283/|title=Bosses verbal fight continues
|publisher=Motorsport|date=14 June 2003|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/stoddart-warns-of-departure-due-to-spiralling-costs-5059782/5059782/|title=Stoddart Warns of Departure Due to Spiralling Costs|publisher=Autosport|date=10 May 2002|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/analysis-f1-tempers-rise-after-minardi-cash-call-5063289/5063289/|title=Analysis: F1 Tempers Rise after Minardi Cash Call
|publisher=Autosport|date=14 June 2003|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> When Eddie Jordan sold Jordan Grand Prix to [[Alex Shnaider]] in 2005, Stoddart expressed concerns for his team's future.<ref>{{cite web|title=Russian-Born Canadian Buys F1 Team|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/russian-born-canadian-buys-f1-team/225671.html|publisher=[[The Moscow Times]]|access-date=18 April 2014|date=25 January 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/stoddart-jordan-sale-bad-news-4997831/4997831/|title=Stoddart: Jordan sale bad news|publisher=Autosport|date=27 January 2005|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> On 12 September 2005, Stoddart announced that he had sold the team to [[Red Bull Racing]] owner [[Dietrich Mateschitz]] who subsequently rebranded the team as [[Toro Rosso]].

In March 2006, less than a year after selling his team to Red Bull, Stoddart announced his intentions to return the Minardi name to Formula One after lodging an entry with the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] for the {{F1|2008}} championship season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/stoddart-submits-minardi-entry-for-2008-4401469/4401469/|title=Stoddart submits Minardi entry for 2008|date=28 March 2006 |access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> However, rival entry [[Prodrive F1|Prodrive]] were awarded the 12th and final place on the grid (which they ultimately did not use).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/prodrive-coy-on-2008-entry-reports-4400960/4400960/|title=Prodrive coy on 2008 entry reports|date=21 April 2006 |access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref>

===F1 Experience===
With the new F1 management wanting to expand the F1 experience for fans, starting from the [[2017 Spanish Grand Prix]] Stoddart is offering fans the ability to ride in one of his Minardi Fx2 cars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/05/11/new-fan-festival-tv-channel-spanish-gp/|title=F1 launches new fan zone and TV channel at Spanish GP · F1 Fanatic|date=11 May 2017|website=F1 Fanatic|access-date=20 May 2017}}</ref>

===Minardi Team USA===
In December 2006 Stoddart purchased the CTE-HVM [[Champ Car World Series|ChampCar]] team which he renamed Minardi Team USA.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/indycar/news/24197/1/stoddart-confirms-place-on-champ-car-roster|title=Minardi confirms place on Champ Car roster|publisher=Crash.net|date=18 December 2006|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> The team was successful, with [[Robert Doornbos]] finishing third overall and taking the Rookie of the Year honours.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.snaplap.net/driver/robert-doornbos/|title=Robert Doornbos|date=17 April 2015 |publisher=Snap Lap|access-date=19 May 2022}}</ref> However, a month before the 2008 season, ChampCar was absorbed by the rival [[Indy Racing League]]. Although enthusiastic about the future of the series, Stoddart opted not to enter it, fearing that he and the other ex-ChampCar teams would be unable to be competitive.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65634 |title=autosport.com |publisher=autosport.com |date= 12 March 2008|access-date=2010-07-10}}</ref> However, the half of the team owned by [[Keith Wiggins]] continued on as [[HVM Racing]] in the IRL.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Minardi}}
{{HVM Racing}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Stoddart, Paul}}
[[Category:Formula One team owners]]
[[Category:Formula One team principals]]
[[Category:Australian people of Scottish descent]]
[[Category:20th-century Australian businesspeople]]
[[Category:1955 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Australian motorsport people]]
[[Category:RMIT University alumni]]
[[Category:People from Coburg, Victoria]]
[[Category:People educated at St Joseph's College, Melbourne]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian businesspeople]]
[[Category:Australian businesspeople in transport]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Melbourne]]
[[Category:Businesspeople in aviation]]
[[Category:Australian expatriates in England]]