• 2011 season

Decision on 13th team could be delayed

ESPNF1 Staff
June 17, 2010 « US F1 auction raises $1.4m | »
Joan Villadelprat, boss of F1 hopefuls Epsilon Euskadi © Sutton Images
Enlarge
Related Links

Hopeful Formula One teams are facing a delay in the FIA's decision over who will occupy the final place on the grid in 2011.

That is the claim of Joan Villadelprat, whose Spanish outfit Epsilon Euskadi as well as Nicolas Todt's ART are considered the two favourites for the 13th team entry. The FIA's expression of interest process ended in April, with teams then lodging full applications and a fee by the end of Junewhich was supposed to be followed by "due diligence leading to a decision in July". But Villadelprat has now indicated that a delay is likely.

"I am optimistic about our chances, but worried that the FIA will make a decision probably in August," he told Italy's Autosprint. "That gives the team an extremely short preparation time. It is therefore unavoidable at this stage to invest in the 2011 project without knowing whether we will be on the grid."

Villadelprat said he is targeting a start-up budget of €100 million, which is substantially more than the amount being spent this year by any of the three new teams.

"With a lower budget we would only make up the numbers," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
ESPN Staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices