In motorsport, a satellite team is a team related to a larger, better-funded team. This relation may involve ownership, technical support, and staff sharing, including drivers.[1] Examples include NASCAR outfit Wood Brothers Racing, which is related to Team Penske,[2] and Formula One teams RB Formula One Team (supported by Red Bull Racing) and Haas F1 Team (supported by Scuderia Ferrari). Formerly Leavine Family Racing, acted as a satellite team to Joe Gibbs Racing,[3]
If the larger team is factory-backed (i.e. supported by a manufacturer), then the satellite team is termed a semi-works team. As of 2010, several World Rally Championship teams were semi-works as the Citroën Junior Team is linked to the Citroën World Rally Team, whereas Stobart and Munchi's are supported by the Ford World Rally Team. In MotoGP, factory teams are given the most up-to-date motorcycles and parts, while satellite teams may use the previous season's motorcycle and are given equipment updates only after the factory team has had them.[4]