SEPTEMBER 8, 2010

No additions to F1 grid in 2011

None of the potential new teams bidding for a place on the Formula 1 grid have been successful, the governing body revealed today.

None of the potential new teams bidding for a place on the Formula 1 grid have been successful, the governing body revealed today.

It had been widely thought that an entry from 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, in conjunction with the Italian Durango team had gathered strong momentum, with ex BAR director Rick Gorne involved in the search for funding and reports that the team had the wherewithal to get through the 2011 season.

Following the 11th hour non-appearance of US F1 this year, however, it seems that the ruling body has decided not to risk a repeat scenario. Epsilon Euskadi, which was unsuccessful last year, was also among those rejected.

"Following the press release of 19 March 2010 calling for expressions of interest to participate in the 2011 and 2012 seasons of the FIA Formula One World Championship, a number of parties expressed their interest," said an FIA statement.

"It was considered that none of the candidates met the requirements to be granted an entry into the championship. Consequently, the allocation of the 13th team will not be granted."

The logistics involved in a relatively later potential entry approval are known to have put off ART which, on the back of its strong results in the junior categories in recent years, GP2 especially, was believed to have the best chance of securing the 13th F1 slot. Nicolas Todt, son of FIA president Jean, is a part owner of the team, which made an initial entry but withdrew it earlier this year.