THE Caterham F1 team said it will race in the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend despite bailiffs seizing cars and parts from its West Oxfordshire base.

The Sheriff’s Office, which enforces High Court decisions, confirmed it raided Leafield Technical Centre on Monday and Tuesday.

It took action against Caterham Sports Ltd, which operates the F1 team, saying it owed more than £100,000. Among the items taken were an F1 test car and car parts “due for Japan 2014”, according to the Sheriff’s Office website, but the team said it will not affect it racing in Suzuka.

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Caterham said in a statement yesterday: “There have been unfounded and unsubstantiated rumours concerning actions against 1MRT, the entrant and owner of Caterham F1.

“An action was threatened yesterday against a supplier company to 1MRT. This company is not owned by 1MRT and it has no influence over the entry of Caterham F1 or the entrant.

“Also contrary to uncontrolled rumours, all operations are currently in place at Leafield and the race team is doing its preparation in Japan.”

The Sheriff’s Office listed on Wednesday some of the items it will now auction, most likely this month.

They included an F1 simulator, steering wheels, wheels with tyres, Caterham and Lotus F1 memorabilia and pit lane equipment including jacks, pumps and starters, and TVs.

Office spokeswoman Claire Scaramanga said the company would be given seven days’ notice before the public auction.

She added: “If Caterham Sports Limited decides it wants to pay off the judgements before sale the goods will be returned.”

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